Management as a Liberal Art Research Institute

About the MLA Research Institute (MLARI)

Peter F. Drucker understood the study of management to be a liberal art – “liberal” because management deals fundamentally with human nature, knowledge, and wisdom; and – “art” because it is concerned with practice and application.


Building upon the wisdom of Drucker we believe that knowledge, self-knowledge, wisdom, and leadership are essential to developing the individual as well as society. We firmly believe that ‘management as a liberal art' (MLA) helps support personal development, organizational effectiveness, community development, and the realization of human dignity.


The MLA Research Institute (MLARI) is dedicated to the study and application of management as a liberal art within organizations. With the purpose of advancing our understanding and application of MLA in organizations, the MLA Research Institute develops educational content, publishes and disseminates its research, and offers training workshops and other events.


The MLA Research Institute supports CIAM by developing MLA-specific course assignments, class exercises, and case studies through which CIAM's students gain a solid understanding of MLA as well as learn how to apply MLA in real-life organizational settings. The MLA Research Institute also publishes original research for both academic and practitioner audiences. We produce podcasts, case studies, and other vehicles to stimulate discussions about management and leadership challenges facing organizations today. The MLA Research Institute also partners with organizations to develop their knowledge of MLA and help improve their overall effectiveness.

What is Management as a Liberal Art?

Management as a liberal art is a philosophy which argues that successful and durable organizations support self-development and moral growth in their people. An organization is the means through which an individual, as a member of the community, finds both contribution and achievement. Further, organizations must recognize that they themselves are part of society and are but one of many stakeholders.


The philosophy of ‘management as a liberal art’ (MLA) suggests that managers must seek knowledge and nurture an organizational environment where its members find meaning and opportunities to learn and contribute. Through the collective contribution of its members, the organization is able to achieve its mission and objectives. The organization’s growth and development allow it to make a positive contribution to the community and society.

Common Questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions received on MLA and MLARI.

  • What is Management As A Liberal Art (MLA)?

    The philosophy of ‘management as a liberal art’ (MLA) suggests that managers must seek knowledge and nurture an organizational environment where its members find meaning and opportunities to learn and contribute. Through the collective contribution of its members, the organization is able to achieve its mission and objectives. The organization’s growth and development allow it to make a positive contribution to the community and society. Further, organizations must recognize that they themselves are part of society and are but one of many stakeholders.

  • Who developed this philosophy?

    In his book, The New Realities, Peter F. Drucker discursively introduced the philosophy of management as a liberal art. Drucker argued that management deals with people, their values, their growth and development, and that management comprises the fundamentals of knowledge, self-knowledge, wisdom, and leadership. Drucker also posited that management involves practice and application.


    The philosophy of management as a liberal art was further advanced by Dr. Joseph A. Maciariello, Emeritus Professor at the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management. After working with Peter Drucker for several years, Dr. Maciariello along with his co-author Dr. Karen Linkletter, published a book, Drucker’s Lost Art of Management, where management as a liberal art is further explored.

  • What does MLA explore?

    Management as a liberal art examines the connections between ethics, leadership, character development, human dignity, human empowerment, human performance, the role and responsibilities of managers in society, and the social role of organizations.

  • Who practices MLA?

    Organizations across different industries and sectors practice management as a liberal art. Since management as a liberal art embodies values such as ethics, human development, dignity, empowerment, and social responsibility, we can surmise that there are organizations in society which currently employ this philosophy.

    Management as a liberal art can be used by any organization, in any industry, in any sector of society. This philosophy is not solely used by for-profit organizations, but rather any organization is able to practice MLA.

  • Why practice MLA?

    Drucker believed that successful and durable institutions support self-development and moral growth in their members. Moreover, he affirmed that an organization is the means through which an individual, as a member of the community, finds both contribution and achievement.


    The philosophy of ‘management as a liberal art’ (MLA) suggests that managers must seek knowledge and nurture an organizational environment where its members find meaning and opportunities to learn and contribute.


    MLA argues that it is possible for organizations to be ethical, socially responsible, and profitable. Moreover, organizations that genuinely care about the well-being of their people and the community, are likely to be recognized and appreciated by their customers, employees, and society in general.


    It is possible to serve the customer, cover costs, and also be an ethical, socially-conscious organization that contributes to the betterment of society.

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