Management functions in a circular economy: Fayol’s classical management thought within planetary boundaries

The circular economy, a plausible vision for the transition towards a more resource efficient, resilient and competitive economy, has entered the agenda of policy makers and business leaders worldwide. Academically, the circular economy is now an established research field. However, the managerial and organisational implications of circular business models implementation are still largely unexplored and this is concerning given the crucial role of corporations in driving the transition towards the circular economy. Therefore, drawing on classical management thought and circular economy thinking and principles, we develop a typology of circular management roles. Our contribution is captured into a set of propositions that open up a research agenda for conceptual and empirical studies at the intersection between the circular economy and management studies.