Page 27 - Fundamentals of Management Myths Debunked (2017)_Flat

Assume for a moment that that the academic study of management

it’s your first day
is filled with insights, based on extensive
in an introductory research, which often run counter to what
physics class. Your instructor asks you to take seems to be common sense. That’s why we

out a piece of paper and “describe Newton’s decided to tackle head-on this common-
second law of motion.” How would you re- sense perception by opening each chapter

act? I expect most students would respond with a particular “management myth” and
with something like “How would I know? then “debunking” this myth by explaining
That’s why I’m taking this course!” how it is just a common-sense myth.

Now let’s change the situation to the first Take a minute to re-look at this chap-
day in an introductory management class. ter’s “management myth” and “management
Your instructor asks you to write an answer

to the question: “What traits does one need myth debunked.” This “debunked” myth of-
to be an effective leader?” When we’ve done ten surprises students majoring in subjects
this on the first day, we find that students like accounting, finance, statistics, information

always have an answer. Everyone seems to technology, or advertising. Since they don’t
think they know what makes a good leader. expect to be managers, they see spending a

This example illustrates a popular myth semester studying management as a waste of
about the study of management: It’s just time and irrelevant to their career goals. Later
common sense. Well, we can assure you . . . in this chapter, we’ll explain why the study of

it’s not! When it comes to managing, much management is valuable to every student, no
of what passes for common sense is just matter what you’re majoring in or whether you
plain wrong. You might be surprised to know are a manager or aspire to be a manager. •

Learning Outcomes

1-1 Tell who managers are and where they work. p. 27

1-2 Define management. p. 29

1-3 Describe what managers do. p. 31

1-4 Explain why it’s important to study management. p. 36

1-5 Describe the factors that are reshaping and redefining management. p. 37

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