Principles of Management

Practicing Ethics, Responsibility, Sustainability

The practice of management needs to move with the times, and today’s business environment requires managers to take a much broader view of their responsibilities than was necessary in the past. This book provides the first comprehensive guide to this new management agenda – how those in management and leadership positions can contribute to sustainable development and social responsibility.

This book is an important and very timely contribution to the broader field of management. It convincingly shows that we have to rethink the very core of management, if we want to ensure its relevance in a society where sustainable business becomes the new normal. Principles of Management will therefore be an indispensable reference work for anyone interested in the future of management education.

Another significant piece of work by Oliver Laasch, a warrior for responsible management in practice and education. The book, focusing on all moral and practical aspects of business leadership and management, has nothing less than the potential to create business as a force for good. Rich, engaging and colourful, with numerous examples, interviews, facts and stories, it is a joy to read. This should be on the bookshelf of existing and future business leaders and business management educators.

I am happy to see this management book make a strong case for ethics and social responsibility. Companies are deeply affected by social problems that endanger livelihoods, social cohesion, and human values. Companies need to show that their company cares deeply about people and the planet.

Sustainable management strategies are central to the success of our planet, our civilization, and the organizations that will thrive in the 21st century. Oliver Laasch guides the reader, managers and students alike, through the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and strategies that will lead to profound levels of success. We all have much to learn from Oliver Laasch and his perspective.

An excellent book that adeptly prepares students to become leaders in a new era of business that is shaped by societal grand challenges such as climate change, inequalities and resource scarcity. It enables students to understand the role and responsibilities of managers, and critically informs them how they can manage organizations to make a positive impact in the world. The book offers the latest in scholarly thinking and management approaches that come alive to students through vivid examples, cases and insightful interviews with top scholars and practitioners.

The second edition of Principles of Management: Practicing Ethics, Responsibility, Sustainability is a refreshing and welcome text in the field. By positioning Responsible Management as 'business as usual' it centres the profession of management in service of society and the planet. Thus the required knowledge, skills and competences to manage ethically, responsibly and sustainable are fully integrated with those associated with managing people and resources in an organisation.