... “utopia” is used in relation to scientific management, including flaws and contradictions in the usage of the term, as well as groundwork for further analysis. Originality/value This paper creates new knowledge with regard to scientific management through its focus on descriptions of its utopianism...

... approach can help “facilitate investigation of the consequences of alternative approaches to organizations” (p. 105); Bellamy’s utopia presents an alternative vision that I argue can provide insight into organizational theory and management history. As part of critical biography, I pay attention to both...