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A Žižekian ideological critique of managerialism

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  • Abbott, Keith
  • Mackinnon, Bruce Hearn

Abstract

Managerialism is often unwittingly assumed to be devoid of ideological import. This is because its market-based principles, utilitarian understanding of human behaviour, and the instrumental logic of its science-based methods are thought to imbue its applied forms with a certain rationality and objectivity, one that is capable of fathoming the deepest and most enduring 'truths' of effective management in contemporary times. This paper challenges such reckonings by applying Slavoj Žižek's mode of ideological critique. It argues that far from being bereft of ideological stimulus, managerialism is steeped in currents of ideological cynicism generated by the very epistemological realities of scientism under which it operates. Indeed, such currents may even provide the foundation upon which its applied forms are readily accepted by organisational members in their workplace behaviours, despite what they know or believe.

Suggested Citation

  • Abbott, Keith & Mackinnon, Bruce Hearn, 2019. "A Žižekian ideological critique of managerialism," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 133-138.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:37:y:2019:i:2:p:133-138
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2018.10.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Backhouse,Roger E., 2010. "The Puzzle of Modern Economics," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521532617.
    2. Christine Doran, 2016. "Managerialism: An Ideology and its Evolution," International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning, International School for Social and Business Studies, Celje, Slovenia, vol. 5(1), pages 81-97.
    3. Thomas Klikauer, 2013. "Managerialism as Ideology," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Managerialism, chapter 2, pages 24-44, Palgrave Macmillan.
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