Making Sense of Management

Providing an alternative approach that critiques traditional assumptions about the world of management, Alvesson (business administration, U. of Lund, Sweden) and Willmott (organization studies, Cardiff Business School, UK) examine the theory and practice of management in relation to the emergence of modern capitalist society, for students, teachers, and practitioners. They draw on critical theory to demonstrate the importance of critical thinking in management theory and practice, arguing that it is a social and organizational activity. They challenge the idea that it should be scientific and examine its study and subspecialties, including organization theory; marketing and strategic management; and accounting, operational research, and information systems. They conclude by outlining the relevance and value of their approach, the merging of critical theory ideas with ideas of management and organization studies, and possibilities for practice. Heavily revised, this edition incorporates references to contemporary economic, social, and organizational developments, and innovations in scholarship and research. It has been restructured with new sections, including those on human resources management and leadership. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)