Hans Ulrich (economist)

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Hans Ulrich (born November 12, 1919 in Brig ; † December 23, 1997 in St. Gallen ) was a Swiss economist .

life and work

Ulrich was a full professor at the University of St. Gallen from 1954 to 1985 . There he founded the Institute for Business Administration in 1954 and was President for many years.

It is Hans Ulrich's merit to clearly distinguish between business administration and management and to look for different approaches to teaching and science. He based his management theory on the fundamentals of systems theory and cybernetics . The St. Gallen management model goes back to Ulrich ; From the beginning it was geared towards the adequate handling of complex systems.

Important topics for Hans Ulrich and his team at the University of St. Gallen were:

  • The examination of the fundamental characteristics of dynamic systems and their relevance for social systems. Ulrich counts these characteristics among others: Wholeness, interconnectedness, environment, complexity, order, control, development.
  • The development of a systemic problem-solving method. Ulrich and Probst (1988) distinguish six steps: 1) Determining the goals and modeling the problem situation; 2) analyzing the course of action; 3) recording and interpreting the future possibilities of changing the situation; 4) Clarification of the control options; 5) planning the strategies and measures; 6) Realize Problem Solving.
  • The development of comprehensive concepts for normative, strategic and operational management.

His employees included u. a. later professors Peter Gomez , Walter Krieg , Fredmund Malik and Gilbert Probst .

In recognition of his work, he was awarded honorary doctorates from the universities of Zurich , Augsburg and Mannheim . Hans Ulrich is the father of the business ethicist Peter Ulrich , who set up the Institute for Business Ethics at the University of St. Gallen, and of the social scientist and philosopher Werner Ulrich .

Works (selection)

  • Hans Ulrich (1968). The company as a productive social system. Bern: Main.
  • Hans Ulrich and Gilbert Probst (1988). Instructions for holistic thinking and acting. A breviary for managers. Bern: Main.
  • Hans Ulrich (2001). Collected Writings. Work edition in five volumes. Bern: Main.
  • Hans Ulrich (2001). System-oriented management: the work of Hans Ulrich. Edition for students. Bern: Main.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Ulrich, Hans
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Swiss economist
DATE OF BIRTH November 12, 1919
PLACE OF BIRTH Brig
DATE OF DEATH December 23, 1997
Place of death St. Gallen