Overview

This course offers a concise, engaging overview of management practices, exploring the strategies, culture, and ethics shaping modern organizations. It highlights how management theory informs decision-making, communication, and organizational culture. Learners will develop a practical understanding of essential management concepts, improving their ability to analyze organizational challenges and apply effective leadership strategies. The course emphasizes real-world outcomes by bridging theory with practice in everyday managerial situations. What sets this course apart is its succinct approach, combining foundational theory with real-life examples and ethical considerations. Learners gain actionable insights into how managers influence people, culture, and organizational success. Ideal for students, aspiring managers, and professionals, the course requires little prior management experience. Those seeking a quick yet meaningful introduction to management will find it highly accessible and informative. This course is based on the book, A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book About Management, by Ann L. Cunliffe. Copyright ©2021 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

Syllabus

Management, Management Studies and Managerialism

This module explores the evolution of management as a discipline, examining its ethical, cultural, and political dimensions. Learners will critically analyze traditional and contemporary management theories, including the rise of managerialism and the emergence of Critical Management Studies. The module also addresses the impact of management practices on individuals, organizations, and society.

Communication, Language and Relational Managers

This module explores how language shapes communication and relationships within management contexts. Learners will examine traditional and alternative models of communication, the social construction of reality, and the impact of dialogue and relationality on organizational life. Through real-world examples, the module highlights how meanings and realities are co-created in everyday managerial conversations.

Who Are Managers? Discourses of Identity-Work

This module explores the diverse ways managerial identities are constructed and performed within organizations. Learners will critically examine key discourses, including rational, performative, linguistic, and relational perspectives, to understand how managers' roles and identities are shaped by language, social interactions, and organizational contexts.

Managing Culture – Managing Hearts, Minds, Bodies and Souls

This module explores the complexities of organizational culture, examining its influence on power dynamics, identity, and resistance within organizations. Learners will investigate both the empowering and controlling aspects of culture, with a focus on ethical leadership, diversity, and strategies for managing and challenging cultural norms. Real-world examples and critical perspectives highlight the emotional and ethical dimensions of managing culture.

Managing Relational, Ethical and 'Just' Organizations

This module explores the foundations of ethical leadership and relational management, examining diverse perspectives on ethics, justice, and moral responsibility in organizations. Learners will investigate how managers can foster just and responsible cultures through reflexive practices and real-world examples. The module also addresses debates around the compatibility of ethics and management, and introduces alternative ethical frameworks such as feminist ethics.