The contribution of M.M. Kovalevsky in the sociology of management, exploring his understanding of the social purpose of sociology. In the interpretation of Kovalevsky's progress, the idea of a "quiet environment" was emphasized. For the theory of public administration Kovalevsky significant characteristic of the state as a "guardian and guardian of personality." The role of historical and legal analysis as the most important argument in his study of the development of public administration is noted. In the light of contemporary discussions, the relevance of Kovalevsky's idea, which did not link "the expansion of the autonomy of the individual" with "the restriction of state interference," was revealed. Kovalevsky-sociologist justified the cementing, unifying nature of education, culture in the integration of society. For modern training of managers, his position on the danger of sociological incompetence of an official is relevant.