Final answer:
Peter Drucker was an important figure in modern management who advocated for meritocracy and efficiency in organizations, principles which were also embraced by contemporaries like Frederick W. Taylor. These ideas substantially influenced business and governmental operations, contributing to the development of scientific management and professional administration known as Taylorism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peter Drucker was a prolific management consultant, educator, and author, who introduced many concepts that have shaped modern management theory. Among his many contributions, Drucker strongly advocated for a meritocracy in organizational leadership, suggesting that roles should be filled based on qualifications and competence rather than connections or patronage. This view aligned with other management thinkers of his time, such as Frederick W. Taylor, who promoted efficiency and scientific management in both the industrial and governmental sectors.
The principle of efficiency in business and government has been a cornerstone of the Progressive movement, championed by figures like Taylor, and reflected in concepts like Taylorism. Taylorism advocated for the scientific study of work processes to maximize efficiency and productivity, which often met with resistance from workers who preferred having control over their work methods.
There has been a universal trend in applying theories of efficiency and scientific management not only in business but also in streamlining governmental operations. The application of these ideas has helped to shape the free enterprise system today and influenced the economic philosophies that underpin our societal values, reflecting a broader movement towards professional management and the utilization of experts in various fields.