Last Updated:

2024-04-03 05:28:58

Peter Drucker

Management theorist and author

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Management theorist and author

Peter Drucker was an influential management consultant and educator, known for his contributions to modern management theory. He pioneered concepts like management by objectives and self-control, and coined the term 'knowledge worker'. Drucker's work explored organizational structures across various sectors and predicted major developments of the late twentieth century.

Philip Kotler Peter Thiel McKinsey & Company Dale Carnegie John Maynard Keynes Milton Friedman Daniel Kahneman Steve Jobs Larry Page Arthur Schopenhauer

1909-11-19

Birth of Peter F. Drucker

Peter F. Drucker, an Austrian-born American management consultant, educator, and author, was born in Vienna, Austria. His writings significantly influenced the modern business corporation.

1920

Peter Drucker's First Journalistic Attempts

In 1920, Peter Drucker made his first journalistic attempts by writing articles for Der Österreichische Volkswirt (The Austrian Economist).

1921

Peter Drucker's Post at Frankfurter General-Anzeiger

In 1921, Peter Drucker found a post at the daily Frankfurter General-Anzeiger, a regional rival newspaper to the famous Frankfurter Zeitung.

1927

Apprenticeship in Hamburg

In 1927, Peter Drucker completed a one-year apprenticeship at an old-established trading company in Hamburg, Germany. This opportunity provided him with practical business experience outside of his formal education in Austria.

1929

Peter Drucker moves to Hamburg to study law

In 1929, Peter Drucker moved to Hamburg to pursue his studies in law before transferring to Frankfurt University in the evenings. He also started writing for Der Frankfurter General-Anzeiger and became a senior editor at the age of 20, all while completing a PhD in international law.

1931

Peter F. Drucker's Doctoral Degree

Peter F. Drucker received a doctoral degree in international and public law from the University of Frankfurt in 1931.

1932

Drucker received his PhD in international law

In 1932, Peter Drucker completed his doctoral studies in international law at Frankfurt University.

1933

Peter Drucker's Emigration to England

In 1933, immediately after Hitler took power in Germany, Peter Drucker left for London. He initially worked as a trainee with an insurance company and later became the chief economist of a private bank. Drucker secured a place in John Maynard Keynes' seminar in Cambridge in 1934/35.

1934

John Maynard Keynes Lecture in Cambridge

In 1934, Peter Drucker attended a lecture by John Maynard Keynes in Cambridge, which had a significant impact on him. Drucker realized his interest in human behavior contrasted with the focus on commodities by Keynes and other economic students.

1935

Drucker moved to England after his essays were banned by the Nazis

In 1935, Peter Drucker relocated to England due to the banning and burning of his essays by the Nazis, including one on Friedrich Julius Stahl and another on The Jewish Question in Germany.

1936

Publication of 'The Jewish Question in Germany'

In 1936, Peter Drucker published 'The Jewish Question in Germany', which was later referenced in his book 'The End of Economic Man'. This work was initially banned and burned by the Nazis.

1937

Peter F. Drucker moves to the United States

In 1937, Peter F. Drucker relocated to the United States to work as an adviser to British banks and a foreign correspondent for British newspapers.

1939

Publication of 'The End of Economic Man'

'The End of Economic Man' was published in 1939 by Peter Drucker. It provided a socio-economic explanation of fascism and made a significant impact, being included in the British army's official reading list.

1942

Drucker's Career Takes Off as Business Thinker

In 1942, Peter Drucker's career as a business thinker began to flourish when his writings on politics and society granted him access to General Motors (GM). This opportunity allowed him to delve into the internal operations of one of the world's largest companies at the time.

1943

Consulting for General Motors Corporation

In 1943, Peter F. Drucker was invited to analyze the organizational structure of General Motors Corporation, leading to the publication of 'Concept of the Corporation' which revolutionized the understanding of large corporations.

1946

Publication of 'Concept of the Corporation'

In 1946, Peter Drucker published 'Concept of the Corporation', a groundbreaking work based on his analysis of General Motors. This book marked his significant contribution to management theory and emphasized the importance of shareholder value and employee ownership.

1950

Drucker joins New York University as professor of management

In 1950, Peter Drucker became a professor of management at New York University, where he would work for 21 years. This marked the beginning of his formal consulting practice and major assignments with companies like Sears, Roebuck and IBM.

1954

Publication of The Practice of Management

In 1954, Peter Drucker published The Practice of Management, which is considered the first comprehensive guide to operating an organization as a complete system. This work laid the foundation for the discipline of business management by integrating various aspects of management into one coherent framework.

1957

America's Next Twenty Years

In 1957, Peter Drucker's 'America's Next Twenty Years' offers insights into the future trajectory of the United States over the following two decades.

1959

Prediction of the Rise of Knowledge Worker

In 1959, Peter Drucker first introduced the concept of 'knowledge worker', referring to employees valued for their expertise and skills. He foresaw a shift towards a knowledge-based economy where intelligence would be more important than physical labor.

1964

Managing for Results

In 1964, Peter Drucker released 'Managing for Results', emphasizing the importance of achieving outcomes in management practices.

1966-06-24

Drucker receives Order of the Sacred Treasure, 3rd class from Japan

Drucker received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 3rd class from the government of Japan on June 24, 1966.

1967

The Effective Executive

Peter Drucker's 'The Effective Executive', published in 1967, provides guidance on effective leadership and decision-making for executives.

1968

Prediction of Information Culture

In 1968, Peter Drucker predicted the emergence of an information culture in his book 'The Age of Discontinuity'. He anticipated a new societal era driven by the availability of electricity and information.

1969

Receiving NYU Presidential Citation

In 1969, Peter Drucker was awarded New York University's highest honour, the NYU Presidential Citation.

1970

Technology, Management and Society

Peter Drucker's 'Technology, Management and Society', published in 1970, explores the interplay between technology, management practices, and societal impacts.

1973

Publication of Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices

In 1973, Peter Drucker authored his influential book, Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices, which became a seminal guide for corporate executives, nonprofit managers, and government leaders. It was likened to the Physicians’ Desk Reference for managers.

1974

Drucker receives Grand Silver Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria

Drucker received the Grand Silver Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria in 1974.

1977

People and Performance: The Best of Peter Drucker on Management

Published in 1977, 'People and Performance' by Peter Drucker compiles the best insights and practices on management performance.

1978

Adventures of a Bystander

Drucker's autobiography published in 1978, detailing his personal experiences and observations. It provides insights into his life and career.

1980

Kantrow's Analysis of Drucker's Contribution to Management

In a 1980 article, Kantrow discusses Peter Drucker's impact on the field of management, emphasizing the importance of Drucker's thought process over the specific content of his ideas. Kantrow highlights Drucker's logical and holistic approach to management, demonstrating how his method of thinking effectively convinces readers.

1981

Toward the next economics, and other essays

In 1981, Peter Drucker published a collection of essays titled 'Toward the next economics, and other essays' in New York through Harper & Row. The book delves into various economic topics and provides insights into future economic trends.

1982

The Changing World of Executive

In 1982, Peter Drucker released 'The Changing World of Executive' in New York under Harper & Row. This book explores the evolving role and challenges faced by executives in the modern business environment.

1984

Drucker's Essay on CEO Compensation

In 1984, Peter Drucker argued in an essay that CEO compensation should be limited to no more than 20 times the salary of the average worker, especially in companies where layoffs were prevalent. He believed that the ballooning CEO pay in Fortune 500 companies was morally and socially unacceptable.

1985

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Peter Drucker's 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship' was published in 1985 in New York by Harper & Row. This work likely delves into the dynamics of innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset.

1986

The Frontiers of Management: Where Tomorrow's Decisions are Being Shaped Today

In 1986, Peter Drucker released 'The Frontiers of Management' in New York under Truman Talley Books/E.D. Dutton. This book likely explores cutting-edge management practices and decision-making processes.

1987

Renaming of Management School in Honor of Peter F. Drucker

In 1987, Claremont Graduate University's management school was renamed the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management (later known as the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management) in honor of Peter F. Drucker.

1989

The New Realities: in Government and Politics, in Economics and Business, in Society and World View

Published in 1989 by Peter Drucker in New York through Harper & Row, 'The New Realities' likely provides insights into the changing landscapes of government, economics, society, and worldviews.

1990

Establishment of Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management

The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, now known as the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute, was founded in 1990. This institution aimed to advance effective management practices in the nonprofit sector, reflecting Drucker's dedication to organizational excellence.

1991

Creation of Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation

In 1991, Peter F. Drucker created the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation to recognize and promote innovative practices in the nonprofit sector.

1992

Managing for the Future

Peter Drucker's 'Managing for the Future' was released in 1992 in New York by HarperCollins. This book likely discusses forward-thinking management approaches and strategies.

1993

Post-Capitalist Society

Published in 1993 by Peter Drucker in New York through HarperCollins, 'Post-Capitalist Society' likely explores the potential shifts and transformations in societal structures beyond traditional capitalism.

1994

Delivery of Godkin Lecture at Harvard University

In 1994, Peter Drucker delivered the prestigious Godkin Lecture at Harvard University, showcasing his profound insights into management and leadership. This event highlighted Drucker's intellectual influence and thought leadership.

1995

Managing in a Time of Great Change

Peter Drucker's 'Managing in a Time of Great Change' was released in 1995 in New York by Truman Talley Books/Dutton. This work likely provides strategies for effective management during periods of significant change.

1996

Induction into Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame

Peter Drucker was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1996.

1997

Drucker on Asia: A Dialogue between Peter Drucker and Isao Nakauchi

In 1997, 'Drucker on Asia' was published in Tokyo by Diamond Inc., featuring a dialogue between Peter Drucker and Isao Nakauchi. This work likely offers insights into management perspectives specific to the Asian context.

1998

Inauguration of Drucker Archives

The Drucker Archives, established in 1998, served as a repository for Peter Drucker's manuscripts, letters, and other materials, preserving his intellectual legacy for future generations. This initiative aimed to provide insights into Drucker's thoughts and writings.

1999

Drucker receives Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class

Drucker received the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class in 1999.

2001

The Essential Drucker

In 2001, Peter Drucker published 'The Essential Drucker' in New York under Harper Business. This work likely distills the key insights and principles from Drucker's extensive body of work into a comprehensive guide.

2002-07-09

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Peter Drucker was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President George W. Bush on July 9, 2002, recognizing his significant contributions to management theory and practice.

2004-06

Drucker honored by Harvard Business Review for 'What Makes an Effective Executive'

In June 2004, Harvard Business Review honored Drucker with his seventh McKinsey Award for his article, 'What Makes an Effective Executive'.

2005-11-11

Death of Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker passed away on November 11, 2005, just eight days before his 96th birthday. He was a renowned figure in the field of management and his contributions are still influential.

2005-11-12

Peter F. Drucker's Death

Peter F. Drucker, a pioneer in social and management theory, passed away at the age of 95.

2006

Establishment of Drucker Institute

In 2006, the Drucker Archives were transformed into the Drucker Institute with a mission to strengthen organizations for the betterment of society. This initiative aimed to carry forward Peter Drucker's legacy and teachings.

2008

The Five Most Important Questions

Posthumously published in 2008 in San Francisco by Jossey-Bass, 'The Five Most Important Questions' by Peter Drucker likely poses critical questions for individuals and organizations to consider for strategic decision-making.

2009-10

Eleventh Street in Claremont renamed 'Drucker Way'

In October 2009, Eleventh Street between College Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue in Claremont, California, was renamed 'Drucker Way' to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Drucker's birth.

2009-11

Report from Vienna, November 2009

Peter Starbuck wrote a report from Vienna in November 2009.

2014-10

Death of Doris Drucker

In October 2014, Doris Drucker, the wife of Peter F. Drucker, passed away at the age of 103.

2017

Peter Drucker's Impact on Management Theory

Peter Drucker, known as the Father of Management, revolutionized modern business practices with his innovative ideas and philosophies. His contributions have shaped the way organizations operate today.

2018

Drucker named world's most influential business thinker

In 2018, Drucker was named the world's most influential business thinker on the Thinkers50.com list.

End of the Timeline
Peter Drucker