The study of the classics in our field is important to the themes of this s
pecial issue because (1) the classics have shaped the world we live in: (2)
studying the classics enlarges our theoretical alternatives: and (3) the c
ritique of taken-for-granted assumptions enshrined in the classics can spur
change, development, and pluralism. We briefly review ct selection of clas
sic writings to illustrate how change and pluralism have been presented as
threats, as opportunities for the management of innovation. and as intrinsi
c aspects of management.