Peter F. Drucker introduced the concept of “Management as a Liberal Art.” Drucker was not a businessman; he was a product of an education in political philosophy, legal theory, history – in short, the liberal arts. Although best known for his work on business management, Drucker was essentially a social theorist and observer of broad trends.
This course seeks to promote deep thinking about the concept of Management as a Liberal Art (MLA). We will not only explore the origins of Drucker’s idea and concepts, but also will study examples of MLA in action. How does MLA transfer from simply a philosophy, an idea, to an actual practice that one can employ in non-profit and business organizations? What does leadership look like when viewed from the perspective of MLA? Can companies and other entities tend to their day-to-day business while still taking into consideration the concerns of their larger community of stakeholders? How can they do this? how can we teach this to students eager to make a difference in the world, start their own businesses, join profitable organizations in meaningful positions, or work for NGOs? In short, is the concept of MLA feasible and meaningful in today’s world, and can it be conveyed to new generations in the 21st century?
The practice of MLA raises fundamental questions about whether the workplace can serve as a moral community for the development of human character and social responsibilities as it earns a profit, provides services, produces products, functions as a thriving non-profit, or serves constituents as a governmental agency. Regardless of the nature of the organization, MLA forces us to think about how our work is part of the larger social fabric. We will be dealing with big-picture questions of ethics, morality, and human nature – but also with the more pragmatic issues of how to implement Drucker’s tall orders (and how to communicate them).
