Beware of management fads

The purpose of authors is distinguishing management fads from enduring classics. Fads are characterized by rapid popularity followed by swift decline and minimal lasting impact. Classics, however, have a sustained positive influence. The authors identified eight features that help differentiate fads from classics, aiming to equip managers with the tools to discern between the two and choose practices that could genuinely benefit their organizations.

Defining Fads and Classics

Fads are defined by three main attributes:

1 Rapid rise in popularity,

2 Short-lived prevalence,

3 Abrupt decline