Management Gurus A Research Overview

Building upon decades of research, this shortform book distils the rise of management’s gurus. The author analyses the economic and political changes which facilitated the rise of this new group and offers reflections on the controversies around the development of ‘guru theory’ (a reasonably stable and enduring set of assumptions and associated practices). The rise of management gurus is placed in the context of critiques that the field is empty, insubstantial and faddish. With reflections on the contours of ‘the guru industry’ and insights into the world of "management speak", the text highlights conceptual, methodological and empirical failings and suggests a radical reconceptualisation of the guru-as-performer. This concise book from a global expert on the topic is essential reading for researchers of business and management as well as an insightful addition to the wider social science library.

1. Introduction 2. The Rise of Management’s Gurus 3. Who are the Gurus? 4. Guru Theory 5. The Guru Industry 6. Guru Speak 7. The Limits of Guru Speak 8. New Directions in Management Guru Research

David Collins is Professor in Management and Dean of the Suffolk Business School, University of Suffolk, UK.