ISBN:
1299591671
,
9780199660940
Language:
English
Pages:
Online-Ressource (X, 243 S.)
,
Ill
Edition:
1. ed
Edition:
Online-Ausg. 2013 Electronic reproduction; Available via World Wide Web
Parallel Title:
Print version The Triumph of Emptiness
DDC:
302.35
Keywords:
Consumption
;
Higher education and state
Abstract:
In this book, Mats Alvesson aims to demystify some popular and upbeat claims about a range of phenomena, including the knowledge society, consumption, branding, higher education, organizational change, professionalization, and leadership. He contends that a culture of grandiosity is leading to numerous inflated claims. We no longer talk about plans but strategies. Supervisors have been replaced by managers. Goods have become brands. Wealthy countries try to show that they are knowledgesocieties through mass higher education but with limited effect on real qualifications or qualified job opport
Description / Table of Contents:
Cover; Contents; List of Abbreviations; List of Figures; Preface; 1. Introduction: zero-sum games, grandiosity, and illusion tricks; 2. Consumption-the shortcomings of affluence; 3. Explaining the consumption paradox-why aren't people (more) satisfied?; 4. Higher education-triumph of the knowledge-intensive society?; 5. Higher education-an image-boosting business?; 6. Modern working life and organizations-change, dynamism, and post-bureaucracy?; 7. Organizational structures on the beauty parade-imitations and shop-window dressing
Description / Table of Contents:
8. A place in the sun-occupational groups' professionalization projects and other status and influence ambitions9. Leadership-a driving force or empty talk?; 10. The triumph of imagology-a paradise for tricksters?; 11. The costs of grandiosity; Bibliography; Index; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; Y; Z
Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index
,
Electronic reproduction; Available via World Wide Web
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