The End of Economic Man: The Origins of Totalitarianism (1939)

Drucker’s first book—published in the shadow of Soviet Russia and the Nazi totalitarian regimes—“tries to understand” why totalitarianism emerged in Europe, what kept it going, and the social-economic contradiction that led to its downfall.

Despair, born out of the loss of hope in capitalism and socialism’s power to provide fulfillment, satisfaction, and social advancement led to the acceptance of an irrational system. Drucker warns future generations that man is not merely a material creature and that society must provide for man’s social and spiritual needs, without which dangerous political ideas will be tried again.

The Future of Industrial Man (1942)

Drucker describes the American economic transition from an agrarian society of farms and small businesses to an industrial order (manufacturing companies), which led many to become disoriented and dissatisfied. Drucker lays out a social theory for meeting the community and status needs of new generations.

The Concept of the Corporation (1946)

From a two year inside analysis of General Motors, America’s largest and greatest manufacturing organization, Drucker described the nature of the industrial institution, top management functions, and social and worker needs.

The New Society: The Anatomy of Industrial Order (1950)

Drucker’s thick book on the industrial order, describing its nature, institutions (business, government, and labor union), challenges, and future. It condenses conclusions reached during the writing of The Future of Industrial Man and The Concept of the Corporation. Drucker spends much time explaining the relationship between business management and labor union leadership, including the benefits and issues involved.