HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATION AS A FACTOR IN THE FORMATION OF MODERN MANAGEMENT THEORY

Abstract

The article investigates the historical evolution of construction organization as an important factor that influenced the formation of management theory. A comprehensive analysis of construction practices from various historical periods — from antiquity to the present — is carried out in order to identify key organizational elements that later became the foundation for management concepts. It is established that even in ancient civilizations, forms of planning, coordination, and control were applied, which share common features with modern managerial functions. Attention is drawn to the role of medieval guild structures, industrial-era engineering management, and the emergence of a systematic approach to organizing construction processes in the 20th century. It is demonstrated that the development of management theory occurred under the direct influence of the evolution of construction activity, which required high precision, responsibility, and multi-level coordination of participants. The study examines the history of construction organization as a significant factor in the formation and development of modern management theory. Based on a retrospective analysis of construction practices from the earliest civilizations to the present, it is revealed that the main managerial functions — planning, coordination, control, motivation, and labour division — were formed in response to the practical needs of implementing large-scale architectural projects. Historical examples indicate that organizational models in construction surpassed other industries in complexity and multi-level managerial structures. Key stages in the evolution of management in the construction sector are analysed: from ancient approaches based on hierarchy and collective responsibility to systematic methods of the industrial era, which introduced standardization, regulation, and professionalization of managerial functions. Significant attention is paid to the contribution of classical management theorists, particularly A. Fayol, whose administrative management concept found practical application in 20th-century construction projects. It is argued that a deep understanding of the historical experience of construction organization is an important condition for developing effective management strategies in the dynamic environment of the 21st century.