Reclaiming business schools beyond managerialist control
This research examines how COVID-19 exposed managerialist control in Australian business schools and argues for sustainability-led change through academic agency, leadership, and collective action toward renewal.
What did we research?
We investigated managerialist control in post-pandemic business schools, focusing on performance metrics, workloads, academic autonomy, pandemic governance, and sustainability-oriented resistance within Australian management education.
What did we find?
We found that during COVID-19, loosened controls enabled academics to innovate, self-manage, collaborate, and rapidly move teaching online. However, business school leaders soon reasserted managerialist controls through heavier workloads, tighter oversight, reduced resources, and renewed metrics. The new normal intensified alienation, burnout, compliance, and distrust across Australian business schools.
What was the impact?
We argue business schools should move beyond negative resistance and managerialist metrics by embracing positive rebellion. Academics should enter leadership roles, build collective spaces, partner with students, and advance sustainability values. These actions can reshape governance, restore autonomy, strengthen legitimacy, and align business schools with broader public-good sustainability goals.
Article
- Billsberry, J., & Ambrosini, V., Thomas, L. (2023). Managerialist control in post-pandemic business schools: The tragedy of the new normal and a new hope. Academy of Management Learning & Education 23(3), 439-458.