Beyond managerialism

pp. 230-247

in: Thomas Klikauer, Managerialism, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2013

Abstract

The commitment of critical theory to deconstruct the pathological reality of Managerialism shows forth strikingly in its treatment of the latter. The problem of Managerialism is inherently historical while it simultaneously exceeds the traditional boundaries of simple management. Far from being only an abstract question of epistemology, managerial language as used by Managerialism and questions on the ideological status of Managerialism have to be at the centre of critical theory. But the treatment of Managerialism also reveals the position of critical theory in the intellectual culture and its historical function. While conventional philosophy and related fields are out to exorcise metaphysical ghosts such as mind, consciousness, will, soul, self, etc., Managerialism, meanwhile, moves relentlessly into position even against universities, academic departments, and entire fields of scholarly endeavour. The result shows, in a strange way, the potentiality of the destruction. While conventional subjects from sociology, history and psychology to philosophy haunt these ghosts, Managerialism haunts these subjects — not because it has to but simply because it can.⁷⁹⁴ The idea of not engaging with Managerialism is the idea of a pre-issued intellectual and departmental death certificate.