This paper introduces the concept of management as a social practice (REED, 1989). The main objective is to demonstrate that its a very important approach for the comprehension of management and managerial action. It also presents a critical reflection in respect of the propositions of the Management of Excellence in contemporary organizations, a model of management that has been improved in the occidental world since the ideas of PETERS & WATERMAN (1982). The idea of social practice creates an opportunity to think some questions uncovered by the Excellence Model such as the indissolubility between the action of organizational subjects and elements of the social structure. This way it is possible to increase other significant aspects in the domain of organizational studies such as management and managerial behavior that stand beyond "folklore" and "fact".
social practice; management; managerial action