Controversies in Management

Book excerpt: As managerial roles diversify, the phenomenon of management becomes increasingly puzzling. Demand for formal management training, theories and qualifications has increased, yet our ability to think critically about management has diminished. At a time of organizational and environmental turbulence, the question of effective management is more complex than ever. Unpicking the puzzles faced by both the manager and the student of management, this introductory guide explores the major issues of management, organization and knowledge, asking questions of our 'guru' culture and raising debates on so-called expert thinking. Written from the viewpoint that the most effective managers are those that can think for themselves and put aside the advice of the management 'guru', it is a topical, challenging and thought-provoking study. Thoroughly revised and reorganized, this second edition features two completely new chapters that cover gender issues in management, debates on globalization, post-modernity and the future of management. Designed to bring readers into the debate, rather than simply providing a framework of answers, this new edition also includes an orientation questionnaire, discussion questions for each area covered and further reading suggestions.