Management – between economy, polity, and ethics

Abstract

Purpose: The author of this text shares the opinion (expressed by quite a number of social researches) that the practical impact of social sciences on social practice, and particularly – on mankind’s responding to the global challenges, is not satisfying. Enhancement of this influence can be viewed as one of these challenges. An analysis of the causes of the situation characterized above is required to achieve this goal. Such an analysis is outlined in this text and some its tentative practical implications are indicated. In other words, it could be said that the goal of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the current state of the management studies and management education. Design/methodology/approach: This text belongs to the area where meet the philosophy of social sciences and their history. Thus, this text is based on historical description and on analysis of the described processes. Logical analysis connected with explication of axiological (ethical) assumptions allows to formulate some practical suggestions as to the further development of management studies and the (academic) education of the future managers. Findings: The role of the emerging interdisciplinary theory of collective action – as basis for both research and academic education in practically oriented social sciences – has been exposed and justified in this text. Research limitations/implications: Further historical and analytical studies seem to be necessary. Practical implications: Some changes in the organization (defining research problems, methodologies etc.) of the research practice of social sciences in general, and of management studies in particular, as well as changes in studies programs might be planned and accepted if arguments presented in this paper are at least partly convincing. Social implications: The text, suggesting and inspiring some changes in the education of managers, might also have some indirect impact on the quality of politics, self-government, or civil-society organization. Originality/value: The paper contains an idea of management studies as an interdisciplinary science connecting elements of traditional management theory with sociology, political sciences and economics. The idea, and also its justification, seems to be rather new. The paper is addressed to the representatives of various social sciences interested in interdisciplinary cooperation