Philosophy underlying management theories: a challenge for business education

Domènec Melé

Chapter 7 in Handbook of Teaching Philosophy to Economists, 2025, pp 74-86 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Underlying management theories are philosophical systems that are often assumed uncritically. Among these systems, some belong to Philosophical Modernity, such as rationalism and empiricism – the latter extended into positivism and logical positivism. American philosophical pragmatism has also been highly influential, as has Philosophical Postmodernity, which, in contrast to Modernity, avoids universalizing concepts. Additionally, phenomenology, existentialism, and neo-Aristotelianism are reflected in certain management theories. This chapter explores the presence of these philosophies in well-known management theories. Each theory carries underlying beliefs about the origin and scope of knowledge, a view of the human being, the company, and society, as well as an understanding of ethics and its role within management theory. Therefore, introducing critical reflection on the philosophy underlying management theories in business education, along with the philosophical foundations of frameworks and concepts used in decision-making and other managerial activities, is essential.

Keywords: Management theories; Philosophical systems; Epistemology; Philosophical anthropology; Ethics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035336814
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