The theory behind participative management originated in the 1930s as a result of a business studyconducted by Elton Mayo, who explored Frederick W. Taylor’s scientific management principles. Hisfindings challenged Taylor’s views, which emphasized the importance of social norms, such ascommunication, participation, and leadership (Marchant 1976). Decades later, renewed interest inparticipative management hinged upon the desire for seeking better management practices, namelytop-notch quality management systems, better employee relations, and integrated design andproduction teams (Lawler 1996).