Management and Michael Polanyi's thought

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of management ideas as a resource for developing a new understanding of science and society. Design/methodology/approach – Three important articles of Polanyi are studied in detail. Findings – That writings of Graicunas, Foch and Liddell Hart definitely influenced the development of Polanyi’s thinking and writings of Gulick, Mooney among other management/organization theorists also likely contributed to Polanyi’s thought. Research limitations/implications – The study opens a new seam for Polanyi intellectual – historical scholarship. Practical implications – The article sheds light on facets of scientific life, including how scientists themselves participate in the overall management of science. Social implications – This discussion of Polanyi deepens the appreciation of Liberal society’s functioning. Originality/value – No other Polanyi scholar has dug deeply into the history of management, considering its intellectual value to Polanyi.