Management Fads in Higher Education

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Management fads in higher education are critically examined in this insightful work, which explains why they often fail. Birnbaum's analysis is both clear and compelling, making it essential reading for anyone in higher education leadership. Unlike typical descriptions of management techniques, this book offers a fair and well-documented critique. It addresses the question of when a management innovation is genuinely beneficial versus when it is merely a fad. Birnbaum delves into the history of seven significant management systems in higher education since the 1960s, developing a model to understand the life cycle of management innovations—covering their creation, development, and potential abandonment. He also explores the social and environmental factors that render institutions susceptible to fads, as well as the psychological reasons that may lead academic managers to embrace failing trends. This comprehensive resource is invaluable for those seeking to leverage management innovations to enhance the educational and social missions of higher education. It encourages informed decision-making, moving beyond the allure of fleeting fads to adopt sound management practices.