Managerialism has often been defined as an ideology according to which the effective and
efficient running of commercial firms not-for-profit organizations and public administrations
is delivered by individuals who possess superior formal knowledge and expertise in management.
Arguing to their exclusive education managers deprive employers and employees of
decision-making power and ensconce themselves systematically in the power structure of
workplaces to advance their own interests and agenda. The central thesis of Overcoming
Managerialism is that resisting and overcoming managerialism necessitates the re-establishing
of the conceptual distinction between power and authority. Second it requires the
rehabilitating of authoritative management as a protection against authoritarian practices.
Authority properly conceived redirects power to technical experts and professionals and
thereby limits managerial power. The authors discuss ten contentions which taken together
represent a theory of the foundation of management in which authority power and rhetoric are
central concepts. This book combines academic scholarship with a readable critique of
managerialism. It will be of interest to both management scholars and students.
