Handbook of Philosophy of Management (Handbooks in Philosophy)

The Handbook of Philosophy of Management addresses the philosophical foundations of management in theory and practice. It covers established branches of philosophy, such as aesthetics, epistemology, moral philosophy, political and social philosophy, philosophy of education, philosophy of practice, and philosophy of science. The Handbook’s broad scope maps out the field and provides a forum where philosophy can be meaningfully applied to the study of management in all its forms. The original, peer-reviewed research published here sheds new light on the complexities of management theory and practice, beyond what hitherto has been possible with the sole application of the social sciences. As philosophy provides a meta-framework for moving beyond paradigm fragmentation within management research and education, this allows researchers and practitioners to find harmony (and discord) in the perspectives revealed by a philosophical lens. Endorsements Preface Contents About the Editors Section Editors Contributors 1 Introduction to Philosophy of Management Introduction Overview of the Handbook Sections Conclusion Cross-References References Part I: Epistemology of Management 2 The Epistemology of Management: An Introduction Introduction The Problem of Knowledge What Is Knowledge? Who or What Has the Capacity of Knowing? Is Knowledge Possible, and How Much Do We Know? What Are the Sources of Knowing? What Kind of Knowledge Is Best? Epistemological Orientations and Their Reflection in Management Studies Epistemologies of Representation Epistemologies of Interpretation Epistemologies of Imagination Epistemologies of Intervention Conclusion Cross-References References 3 Evidence-Based Management Introduction Philosophical Underpinnings of Evidence-Based Management The Tension Between Knowledge and Managerial Action Making Knowledge Actionable and Turning Action into Knowledge Starting Point 1: Making Knowledge Actionable - A Task Scholars Can Initiate The Practical Value of Knowledge Knowledge Communication Starting Point 2: Turning Action into Knowledge - A Task Practitioners Can Initiate The Need for Informed Action: Reflection and Absorptive Capacity The Role of Deliberate Practice: Action Focused on Learning Balancing Knowledge and Action Looking Back and Moving Forward: Merging Knowledge and Action Cross-References References 4 Realist Inquiry Introduction Realism in Philosophy From Empirical to Critical Realism Scientific Realism Management Studies from a Realist View: Key Themes and Contributions Realism and the Nature of Management and Organizations Organizations as Multilevel (Open) Systems Causality, Social Structure, and Agency The Systemic Nature of Managing Realism and the Study of Management and Organizations Role of Reasoning and Experiencing Nature of Explanation Methodological Implications Realism and the Science-Practice Link: Technology, Design Science, and Engaged Scholarship Avenues for Future Research Realism and the Study of Grand Challenges Realism and New Theorizing Realism and New Methodologies Conclusion Cross-References References 5 Interpretive Inquiry Introduction What Is Interpretive Inquiry and How Does It Relate to Constructivism? The Impact of Interpretive Inquiry on Management and Organization Studies Application and Implications for Research Practice Conclusion Cross-References References 6 A Posthumanist Epistemology of Practice Introduction The Epistemology of Practice The Sociomateriality of Managing Managing and Agency Applications of Humanist Practice Epistemologies in Management and Organization Studies Cross-References References 7 Critical Inquiry Introduction Denaturalization as Epistemology Negative Ontology Reflexivity Power and Language in Critical Inquiry Unpacking Understandings of Power in CI Language and CI: The Naturalization and Denaturalization of Social Reality Critical Inquiry: How to Do It Conclusion and Caveats Cross-References References 8 Fictional Inquiry Introduction Philosophical Foundations of the Epistemology of Fiction Purpose 1: Juxtaposing Fictional and Counterfactual Statements Against Empirical Reality to Generate Novel Insights and Enhanc... Ideal Types Figurative Imagination Purpose 2: Juxtaposing Fictional/Counterfactual Statements Against Other Scientific Statements to Probe and Refine These State... Counterfactual Reasoning Thought Experiments Simulation Purpose 3: Studying Fictional Realities as Objects of Inquiry in Their Own Right and Examining Their Impact on Actual Empirica... Conclusion: Toward an Epistemology of Fiction in Management Studies Cross-References References 9 The Performativity of Theories Introduction The Conceptual Roots of Performativity The Performativity of Theory Distinguishing Two Extremes of a Continuum: Performativity as a Mindset and Performativity as a Social Mechanism Core Common Assumptions Distinct Commitments and Analytical Foci Producing Knowledge ``Through ́ ́ vs. ``About ́ ́ Performativity Performative Frictions and in/commensurability Moving Forward: Combining Performativity as a Mindset and Performativity as a Social Mechanism? Conclusion and Outlook Cross-References References 10 Problematizing the Relation Between Management Research and Practice Introduction Scientific Research as Self-Referential Communication The Impossibility of a Direct Transfer of Research Results to Management Practice The Impact of Research on Practice Implications Cross-References References Part II: Philosophy of Science for Management Theory and Practice 11 Philosophy of Science for Management Theory, Practice, and Sci-fi Freaks: An Introduction Introduction The Nonsense of Theory-Less Management Practice Large Samples and Correlations Are Not Silver Bullets The Limits of Induction Illustrated with the Inference of What a Planet Is The Need for Retroduction Illustrated with the Inference of What a Planet Is The Need for Concepts with High Discriminating Power in Management Science The Chapters of This Section Conclusion Cross-References References 12 Reviving Methods of Speculative Philosophy Introduction The Nature of Philosophical Inquiry: Three Interdependent Modes of Thinking Moderate Versus Radical Enlightenment Modernity: Analytical Versus Speculative Philosophy Organization Studies: A Natural Space for Reviving Speculative Philosophy Researching Organizations in the Context of Global Environmental Challenges Conclusion: Towards a New Enlightenment in Organization and Management Studies Cross-References References 13 Management Research and Practices: Philosophies and Logics Introduction Rigorous Design of Management Research: Basic Choices The Scheme Research Problem Research Questions Choice of Logic of Inquiry to Answer Research Questions Choice of Research Paradigm Practicalities That Can Influence Design Choices Logics of Inquiry: Their Evolution and Uses Traditional Logics of Inquiry and Their Uses: Induction and Deduction Logics of Inquiry for Making Discoveries: Peirce ́s View of Retroduction and Abduction Retroductive Logic of Inquiry in the Social Sciences: Post Peirce An Interpretive View of Abduction: Post Peirce Combining Logics of Inquiry Logics of Inquiry and Ontological Assumptions Variety of Research Paradigms Summary Logical Inconsistencies and Contradictions Relevance to Management Research Treating Inconsistencies and Contradictions (ICs) Summary Big-Data and Small-Data Approaches Fundamental Differences in Data-Oriented Approaches Traditional and Combinatorial Approaches Differ Yet Complement Each Other Comparing the Two Approaches Summary Conclusion Cross-References References 14 Discoveries in the Science of Organizational Economics Introduction Types of Inferences and Discoveries Beyond Ingenuity in Scientific Inference Selective Retroduction Fictional Retroduction Ampliative Retroduction The Use of Retroduction in the Science of Organizational Economics The Retroduction of Transaction Costs Filtering Retroduction Out of the Messy Scientific Practice Concluding Remarks Cross-References References 15 No Organizations for Today ́s Einsteins Introduction Scientific Discoveries and Mental Faculties Organizing for Scientific Discoveries The Traditional Organizational Layout of Universities Standardization in Today ́s Universities and Business Schools How Standardization Impinges on Scientific Discoveries Organizational Structures That Are Most Propitious for Scientific Discoveries Discussion: The Inherent Suboptimality of Real-World Organizational Layouts Conclusion Cross-References References 16 The Harmful Dysfunction Analysis of Mental Disorder: Implications for the Social Sciences and Management Practice Introduction The Importance of ``Disorder ́ ́ as a Conceptual Foundation for the Mental Health Profession The Importance of ``Disorder ́ ́ for the Management of Psychiatric Organizations Szasz ́s Attack on the Concept of Mental Disorder and Why It Failed Conceptual Analysis and the Essentialist Nature of Concepts Value Versus Scientific Views of Disorder The Harmful Dysfunction Analysis The HDA and the Social Sciences Implications for the Management of Organizations Conclusion Cross-References References 17 Complexity and Management: Epistemic Insights from the Life Sciences Introduction Convergences in Management Theory and Practice Paradigm Fragmentation Understanding Complexity On the Dynamic Stability of Living Organizations Dependencies Integrated Dynamics Explananda and Explanantia Beyond Dichotomies Systems and Parthood Relationships Recomposing Theory and Practice Conclusions: Management at Crossroads Cross-References References Part III: Aesthetics of Management 18 Aesthetics of Management: An Introduction Introduction The Brief Itineraries In Order of Appearance Concluding Remarks Cross-References References 19 Aesthetic Knowing, ``Designerly ́ ́ Thinking and Scenario Analysis Introduction Building Understanding from Aesthetic Knowing Personal Narratives of Aesthetic Knowing Aesthetic Learning from Hong Kong Aesthetic Knowing of ``Home ́ ́ Multiple Realities of Aesthetic Knowing in the Workplace Where to with Aesthetic Knowing? Design - Contested Views of a Complex Domain Design and Management Design for Social Inquiry Design as ``Attitude ́ ́ Designing with Users Through Collaborative Realization Scenario Thinking - Exploring Contexts for Social Innovation Engaging Critical Scenario Method (CSM) Beyond the Basic Method - ``Branching ́ ́ Scenarios and Scenario Improvisation Designing for Social Innovation Through Collaborative Realization An Overview of Scenario Methods Critical Scenario Method for Social Inquiry Meaning of Design, and Design of Meaning Collaboration for Social Innovation Conclusions Cross-References References 20 Aesthetics, Management, and the Organization of Space Introduction An Aesthetics of Space The Spatial as Intersubjective Agency and Environment Art, Design, and Spatial Planning Conclusion: Space, Aesthetics, and the New Model Worker Cross-References References 21 A Smile and a Sigh: Leadership Insights from the East Four Men and Their Ambitions (Analects, 11:26) Becoming Exemplary: li and yue Discovering Potential Coming Together in the Middle Transference Across the Centuries The Aesthetic Turn Achieving Ensemble Unifying Tendencies and Totalitarianism Conclusion Cross-References References 22 The Role of Aesthetics in Ethical Action Choosing an Ethical Path What Is Ethical Engagement? Ethical Habits The Body ́s Role in Ethical Engagement Embodiment as a Way into Empathetic Imagination Emotional Responses Bodily Knowing and Aesthetics Aesthetic Judgment Kant ́s Critique Connecting Aesthetics and Ethics Linking the Beautiful with the Good Using Aesthetic Sensibilities to Foster the Capacity to Engage Well Ethically Practical Steps Forward Cross-References References 23 A Rancièrian Method of Exploring Notions of Management and Organization Through the Artistic Gaze Introduction The Artist ́s Gaze: Francis Alÿs Dissensus of Sensibility Concluding Remarks Cross-References References 24 The Aesthetics of St Thomas Aquinas and the Art of the Beautiful Business Introduction In (Eternal) Search of Excellence The Category Error of the Aesthetic A Tale of Two Traditions From the Footplate: An Example The Aesthetics of Thomas Aquinas Aquinas on Beauty Aquinas: The Formal Criteria of Beauty From Euler to Venn The Implications for Organizational Aesthetics and Organizational Theory Pulchrum est Bonum Conclusion Cross-References References 25 State of the Art on Aesthetics and Leadership Introduction The State of the Arts and Leadership Understanding Art and Aesthetics Art as a Practice and Artifact Aesthetics and Aesthetic Approaches Artful and Aesthetic Experiences and Processes in Relation to Leadership Aesthetics and Creative Responsiveness Leadership as Professional Artistry and the ``Art of Living ́ ́ Cross-References References 26 Aesthetics and Leadership Introduction Critical, Imaginative-Utopian, and Pragmatic Dimensions of Art and Aesthetics The Liberating Irritation of the ``Sense of Reality ́ ́ Exploration and Innovation Through the ``Sense of the Possible ́ ́ Sense of Designable and ``Gestalt ́ ́ Aesthetic Qualities and Dimensions of Leadership The Dark Side and Limitations of Aesthetic Leadership Aesthetic Leadership and (Aesth-)Ethics and Wisdom Implications Practical Implications Theoretical and Methodological Implications: ``ScholARTistry ́ ́ Cross-References References 27 Regionally Speaking: Cultural Leadership and Capacity Building in the Asia Pacific Region Introduction Narrative Inquiry Narrative Themes Reflecting on the Local and Personal Identity Voice Impact Reflecting on the National Tradition and Memory Experimentation, Exploration, Innovation Advocacy Reflecting on the Regional Connectivity and Networks A Multi-frame View of Leadership Leadership in the Political Frame Leadership in the Structural Frame Leadership in the Social Frame Leadership in the Symbolic Frame Implications of the Study Conclusion Cross-References References 28 Curating Management Philosophy: Art and Aesthetics for Business Education Philosophizing by Curating Management Education Instrumental Critical Art Before 2000 Invective Art: The 1980s and Dahl ́s Frog Ironic Art: The 1990s and Bonk Business Imitation Art: 2000 and Masters of Business Art Intervention Art: 2005 and the Product/Vision Show Intentional Art After 2000 Curating as Philosophizing Curating Recognition of Aesthetic Autonomy Curating for Rematerializing Philosophy Curatorial Schwung: Philosophy as Aesthetic Action Cross-References References Part IV: Social and Political Philosophy of Management 29 Social and Political Philosophy of Management: An Introduction Introduction Elasticity and Permeability of Social and Political Spheres The Chapters in This Section: Illustrating the Permeability and Elasticity of the Social and Political Spheres Avenues for a Philosophical Understanding of Social and Political Challenges for Business Conclusion Cross-References References 30 Xenophon ́s Philosophy of Management Introduction Nine Dimensions of Business Management According to Xenophon Key Requirements of Business Managers According to Xenophon Knowledge Involved in Management Practices Skills Involved in Management Practices Virtues Involved in Business Management Discussion and Conclusion Cross-References References 31 Wisdom Within the Firm: An Aristotelian-Hayekian Approach to the Managerial Process of Division and Coordination of Labor Introduction The Origin and Evolution of the Division of Labor Concept The Market: A Process of Discovery The Entrepreneur: An Exemplary Prudent Agent The Division of Labor: An Effect of Entrepreneurial Prudence Conclusion Cross-References References 32 The Social Role of the Virtue of Integrity Introduction A Major Current of Thought in Management: Integrity as Adherence to Acceptable Principles The Mayer et al. ́s Framework Building on the Mayer et al. ́s Framework A Deeper Exploration of the Complex Concept of Integrity through Aristotelian Social and Political Philosophy The Pioneering Work of Robert Solomon A Deeper Analysis: Integrity as an Act of Justice Based on a Disposition Avenues for Future Research Avenues Concerning Integrity as an Action Avenues Concerning Integrity as a Disposition Conclusion Cross-References References 33 A Critical Approach to Civil Society: The Case of Corporate Social Responsibility Introduction The Foundational Heroization of CS Definitions: The Problem of the Frontier, the Influence of the State and MNC on CS A Problem of Boundaries Genealogy of the Heroization of CS The Scottish Enlightenment Alexis de Tocqueville and the Neo-Tocquevillian Vision of CS Critical Theory and CS Critics of CS Hegel: CS as the Prehistory of the State Marx: CS as the Instrument of Bourgeoise Domination Gramsci: The Ambivalence of CS CS, Critical Theory, and Corporate Change The Limits of CS Influence on Corporate Change The Influence of the State The Influence of MNCs CS: From Liberal Utopia to Neoliberal Dystopia Repressive Desublimation: From Utopia to Dystopia Conclusion Cross-References References 34 Blackness as Dignity-in-Sacrifice: From Exploitation to Contribution Introduction Historical Considerations of Current Dignity Discourse in Business Ethics History, Racism, and Dignity Discourse Racial Invisibility and Agency Dignity-in-Sacrifice: From Self-Interest to Self-Transcendence From Black Exploitation to Contribution Conclusion Cross-References References Part V: Moral Philosophy and Management 35 Moral Philosophy and Management: An Introduction Introduction Moral Philosophy and Its Relationship(s) with Management Modes of Engaging Moral Philosophy in Management Scholarship: Some Examples Contributions Included in Moral Philosophy and Management: An Overview Conclusion Cross-References References 36 How Methods of Moral Philosophy Inform Business Introduction A Common Method: ``Apply-a-Basic-Theory ́ ́ The Naturalistic Fallacy The Falsifiability Criterion Connecting ``Is ́ ́ to ``Ought ́ ́ Three Epistemic Methods for Business Ethics Reflective Equilibrium Guiding (or Regulative) Ideals Thought Experiments Conclusion Cross-References References 37 Philosophical Anthropology and Business Ethics Introduction: Recovering Ethics Through Philosophical Anthropology A Brief History of Philosophical Anthropology From Philosophical Anthropology to a New Business Ethics Philosophical Anthropology, Virtue Ethics, and Civilization Conclusion Cross-References References 38 Adam Smith ́s Moral Philosophy and Its Relevance for Modern Management Introduction Sociality and Self-Interest The Impartial Spectator Virtues, Moral Sentiments, and the Modern Notion of Emotional Intelligence Liberty and Justice Labor, the Labor Theory of Value, and Free Labor The Invisible Hand Conclusion Cross-References References 39 Critical Moral Philosophy and Management Introduction Critical Theory on Management Reason and the Moral Philosophy of Critical Theory Management, Critical Theory, and Moral Reason Cross-References References 40 How Utilitarianism Can Inform Decent Managers in Plural and Culturally Diverse Contexts Introduction The Power and Benefit of Business Activity to Society Utilitarian Ethical Theory Long-Term Benefit and the Utility of Keeping Promises The Utility of Justice, Fairness, and Other General Rules Utilitarian Calculus A Utilitarian Approach to Management Utilitarianism Applied Utilitarian Management, Pluralism, and Diverse Contexts Conclusion Cross-References References 41 A Good Manager Serves Two Masters: A Kantian Perspective Introduction A Manager Serves Two Masters The Good Manager Compels the Organization to Operate in Accordance with Morality of Right Three Forms of Organizational Misconduct The Need for Active Moral Agency Morally Active Employee vs Morally Passive Employee Conditions for Moral Development Cross-References References 42 Moral Agency and Decent Management Introduction: Moral Agency and Decent Management Decency and Management Decency at Work: Applying Kantian Ethics Moral Agency Conclusion Cross-References References 43 Creating an Effective Business Ethics Introduction: The Virtue Ethics Project The Business World Since Solomon The Place of Business Ethics in the Culture of Modernity Understanding Action: From MacIntyre to Bourdieu Revisiting the Place of Ethics in Modernity: A Brief History Conclusion: Is the Failure of Solomon ́s Project Inevitable? Cross-References References 44 The Role of Virtue in Good Management Introduction Manipulation and ``Gaming ́ ́ Virtue Ethics as a Means of Understanding the Moral Issue Agent-Centered Approach A Combination of Reason and Emotion The Absence of Impersonal Formulae or Rules that Can Resolve Moral Dilemmas Both Individual and Common Goods The Objective Conditions of Human Flourishing How Virtue Ethics Can Contribute to Good Management Virtues or Excellences that Assist a Manager in Managing Virtues or Excellences that Contribute to the Manager Living Well Virtues or Excellences that Contribute to the Common Good Conclusion Cross-References References 45 Organizations, Virtue Ethics, and Narrative Identity Introduction Narrative Identity Meaningful Work and Narrative Identity in Organizations Work-Life Balance Narrative Identity and Social Identity Conclusion Cross-References References 46 Confucianism and Ethics in Management Introduction Brief History of Confucianism Confucian Concepts and Their Managerial Implications Conclusion Cross-References References 47 Daoism and Ethics in Management Introduction A Brief History of Daoism Dao and Virtue: Central Themes in Daoist Philosophy Managerial Implications: Leadership, Corporate Culture, and Values for the Knowledge Society to Come Conclusion Cross-References References 48 Feminist Ethics Introduction Feminist Ethics: A Different Voice or a Different Positionality? Feminine Ethics of Care Maternal Ethics of Care Feminist Ethics Feminist Ethics in Management The Ethics of Embodied Difference Luce Irigaray Hélène Cixous Julia Kristeva Psychoanalytic Feminism in Management Relationality: Compassion, Cohabitation, and Coexistence with the Irreducible Other Judith Butler Bracha Ettinger Embodied Relationality for Management and Organizations Conclusion Cross-References References 49 Is Moral Growth Possible for Managers? Introduction What Is Pragmatism? How to Be a Pragmatist About Morality? Commitment to Moral Growth as the Key Moral Responsibility of a Manager Moral Growth Without Objectivism How to Grow Morally as a Manager? Admit the Incompleteness of Your Current Moral Outlook Seek Opportunities to Expand Your Moral Horizon Give Others ́ Opinions and Viewpoints a Charitable Interpretation Keep Your Values and Beliefs up to Date Engage in Moral Imagination Ensure that Your Subordinates Dare to Challenge You Conclusion Cross-References References 50 Innovation as Ethos Introduction Contrasting Responsibility in CSR with Responsibility in Innovation Ethics Responsible Innovation The Applicability of Virtue Ethics and Practical Wisdom in Innovation Ethics: A Critical Assessment Innovation as Ethos: Toward an Action-Based Concept of Responsible Management of Innovation Conclusion Cross-References References 51 Using Aristotle ́s Metaethics to Assess the Moral Responsibility of Organizations as Artificial Persons Introductory Overview: Collective Responsibility and the Neo-Aristotelian Approach The Argument Presupposition 1: A Neo-Aristotelian Application of Aristotle ́s Philosophical Anthropology of Wellbeing Presupposition 2: Analogy of Attribution, Natural Persons ́ Moral Action, and Organizational Analogues Presupposition 3: Assessing Justice Through Casuistry in Personal, Political, and Organizational Contexts Presupposition 4: A Revised Stakeholder Model for QPM Concluding Applications Cross-References References Part VI: Philosophy in Management Practice and Education 52 Philosophy in Management Practice and Education: An Introduction Introduction Situating Heidegger in the Context of Research Practices in Organizational Theory Examples of Lived Experience of Research Questioning from Within the Context of Practice Using an Exemplar to Illustrate the Heideggerian Process of Practice in the Context of Research Introducing the Chapters of This Section Cross-References References 53 Weeding the Management Garden: Hume ́s Fork and Action Nominalism at Work Introduction Management and Authority Language and Values Philosophical Background Nominalism A Nominalist Approach to the Language of Management Hume ́s Fork Weeding the Management Garden Conclusion Cross-References References 54 The Organization of Philosophy and a Philosophy of Organizations Introduction The Absence of Organizations in the Organization of Academic Philosophy Is the Lack of Interest in Organizations a Problem for Academic Philosophy? A Philosophy of Organizations in Modern Society Philosophy of Life in Organizations Cross-References References 55 What Calls for Thinking in Business: Consulting as a Heideggerian Philosopher What Calls for Thinking in Business: Consulting as a Heideggerian Philosopher Four Basic Questions What Makes Heideggerian Thinking Remarkable? Cultivating Wonder Heidegger on Thinking from the Lectures Comprising What Is Called Thinking? Radical Difference and Identification of Bridging Practices Historical Review The Discovery of the Marginal The New Thought Experiment Habituation or Getting Used to How the World Looks Different Summary: What Is Thinking? Finding the Matter for Business Thinking Thinking and Market Transformation CEMEX and Patrimonio Hoy RSA and Mid-Market Commercial Insurance in the UK Conclusion: Saving Focal Practices Cross-References References 56 Why Work? What Does Philosophy (Not) Tell Us About Worker Motivation? Introduction Motivation and Management A Foundational Dichotomy: Aristotle on Praxis and Poiesis Arendt: Labor Versus Work (Versus Action) Honneth on Recognition at Work Concluding Remarks: Retrieving Philosophical Questions in Management Research Cross-References References 57 Informing Educational Approaches to PRME Using Foucault Introduction A ``History of the Present ́ ́ About PRME An ``Art of Living ́ ́ Care of the Self and PRME Conclusion Cross-References References 58 Educating Business Students About Kant and Dignity for a Theory of Business-in-Society Introduction Dignity as a Moral Threshold Cultivating an Orientation toward Preserving Human Dignity Via Reflective Judgment How Kant ́s Principles Contribute to Cultivating Reflective Judgment for Community-Oriented, Reality-Facing Sensus Communis: An... Conclusion Cross-References References Index