IAM History


1915
The OMUA

The office environment is transforming, with office machinery replacing paper-based administration methods. Lawrence R Dicksee addresses this change by establishing the Office Machinery Users’ Association (OMUA), the forerunner of the IAM.

1930
The BWMA

For 15 years the OMUA has no competitors but in 1930 the British Works Management Association (BWMA) is founded.

1936
The OMA

In 1936 the OMUA and the BWMA come together to become the Office Management Association (OMA). The OMA want businesses to be clear on the role of office managers and gain greater recognition for them.

1947
Journal Launched

The first journal of the OMA is published. In conjunction with the London School of Economics, they publish the first Clerical Salaries Analysis.

1960
The IOM

In 1960 the OMA changes its name to the Institute of Office Management (IOM)

1965
Change with the Times

As technology spreads the IOM runs conferences on the utilisation of small computers and the 1965 “computer appreciation” five-day course is oversubscribed.

1972
The IAM

Another name change and the IOM becomes the Institute of Administrative Management. This decade also sees the IAM working with the BBC producing 10 television shows on Administrative Management.

2010
IPA Incorporated

The Institute of Professional Administrators (IPA) becomes part of the IAM.