This paper traces the development of management thought and discusses the utility of a conceptual reorientation to the study of management. The evolution of different paradigms in the field of management is highlighted and a critical evaluation of their capacities to unify and provide coherence to the field is offered. The usefulness of order as a unifying concept in developing a paradigm of management is pointed out. Present theories of management are reviewed in the light of the order paradigm and an attempt is made to point out the viability of the paradigm for future theory building in management. Implications for management practice are briefly discussed.