Toward the Linkage of the Verbal and Mathematical Concepts of Management Theory: An Extended Application of Systems Analysis.

The purpose of this discussion is to develop through the vehicle of systems analysis a conceptual structure capable of linking fundamental quantitative and verbal aspects of management theory. The management functions serve as the focal point for this analysis. An initial hypothesis of this presentation recognizes that words, like numbers, are symbols of expression and communication and that with semantic problems minimized through precise definitions, words may be logically related and meaningfully structured. As verbal models precede the development of quantitative models, it may be further hypothesized that mathematical models can be no more valid or meaningful than the verbal models upon which they are based. Since mathematics is considered as man's most logical and precise means of expression, it seems rational to deduce that mathematical techniques may be utilized to test, improve, arid finally validate the logic of verbal structures, assuming the verbal and quantitative models are convertible. If t...