After working through this chapter you should be able to:

• identify the key classical principles of management

• discuss the practical realities of management

• identify the predominant style of management in hospitality, leisure and tourism organizations

• discuss how the alleged uniqueness of sector specific characteristics affects this management style.

A question we are often asked as educators is whether managers are born or made (which itself is similar to enquiring whether management is an art or a science). There is, of course, no simple answer although the very presence of management subjects in university and college curricula suggests that management can be learned. It may be useful to clarify our position using a musical metaphor.

Consider individuals who are described as having an ear for music. This actually means that they have an innate ability to connect with the subject matter and can often play instruments and compose without possessing any theoretical musical knowledge whatsoever. On the other hand, there are those who study first, and play and compose music subsequently. Both will become adept musicians eventually because each benefits from an understanding of underpinning musical theory.

The study of management is like this, with everyone benefiting from a knowledge of theoretical principles. However, there is no doubt that some successful managers are mavericks, have little management training and delight in telling us so. The self- made man , often synonymous with the term entrepreneur , is a popular idea and we are often seduced into believing...