Management Frameworks and Management System Standards in the Context of Integration and Unification: a Review and Classification of Core Building Blocks for Consilience

Abstract

Management frameworks (MFs) and management system standards (MSSs) are essential tools for improving organisational management practises. They inherently include a range of fundamental building blocks that facilitate the creation of structured management systems. However, these building blocks have not yet been holistically identified or unified into a consilient taxonomy. Addressing this research gap, this study conducts a comprehensive review of 415 academic papers and theses, 47 ISO MSSs, and 79 MFs sourced from scholarly databases and official publications. Utilising a novel heuristic methodology, this study integrates a literature review, clustering, text mining analytics, and an expert review to develop a Consilient Building Block Taxonomy (CBBT). This taxonomy categorises the foundational components of MFs and MSSs, presenting them as a structured framework that unifies these elements into a cohesive system. By providing a systematic classification, the CBBT serves as a foundation for the development of a Unified Singular Management System (USMS). The proposed taxonomy enhances operational coherence, strategic alignment, and efficiency by consolidating the core aspects of diverse management systems. This study concludes with insights into how the CBBT can be leveraged to achieve integration and unification in management practises, offering significant potential for both research and practical applications.