The business schools could do a better job teaching…
“The business schools could do a better job teaching face-to-face management, the actual work of organizing and helping along the efforts of others in the organization. The more quantitative disciplines have gotten more attention, often more research dollars. Areas like organizational science or, even mushier, leadership have had more trouble settling on what it's important to teach, and how. It's rather like strategy itself, which as I argue in the book, has had trouble through most of its history figuring out how to incorporate people, their motivation and ability, into its calculations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues business schools prioritize quantitative skills over practical people‑focused management, leaving a gap in teaching leadership and motivation.
In simple terms: Business schools focus too much on numbers, neglecting people skills.
Key Takeaway
Balance quantitative and people‑centric training.
Themes
education
leadership
strategy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
academic
analytical
When to use this quote
- MBA programs
- corporate training
- team leadership
- strategy workshops
Key Concepts
organizational science
human capital
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools integrate people skills?
- What metrics show leadership impact?
A Different Perspective
Quantitative emphasis can still dominate curricula.