Abstract

This theoretical paper traces the reasons for the slow development of ‘home-grown’ management principles and
practices in Nigeria to the effects of the internal conflicts that were generated by the policies of colonialism up to
the mid-20th century. It argues that these conflicts had negatively affected the attitude of the local people within
the social, economic and political institutions of society. As a way forward, it proposes that emphasis should
now be focused by management scholars on modernizing and fitting into contemporary context, some of the
indigenous management practices that preceded the advent of colonialism, such as the Calabar House system.
Appropriate management principles and theories are likely to evolve from this effort to the benefit of modern
business and other organizations.

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