Changing Emphases in the Business World— “Multum non Multa”

Introduction This article attempts to work back from the problems, uncertainties and complexities currently encountered by large organisations and selectively searches for contributions from available and appropriate theory to help practising management cope. The decline in the use of planning techniques developed in the 50s and early 60s is assessed, and the changing role of the planning function is studied in the broader context of strategic management. A critique is given on the search for theory which will relate to a business world of increasing complexity, interconnectedness and interdependency, and which will be understood by and acceptable to the practising manager.