Harold Koontz

Who is Harold Koontz?

Harold Koontz was a professor of business management at the University of California, Los Angeles and a consultant for many of America's largest business organizations. He co-authored the book Principles of Management with Cyril J. O'Donnell; the book has sold around two million copies and has been translated into 15 languages.

He received his doctorate from Yale University in 1935 and started work as a cost analyst for a railroad in 1936. He consulted for the Federal Office of Price Administration during World War II and was an executive for Trans World Airlines.

His approach to management was "human relations". His best known advice is "manage-men-t," where "t" stands for tactfully.

He died at age 75 on February 11, 1984, after suffering from arthritis.