A critical theory analysis of the production of toxic and zombie leadership in the context of neoliberalism

John Smyth

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter examines the cascade from forms of detachment, toxicity, and dys-function, to forms of institutional violence and organisational dysfunction via the question: what is animating or permitting all of this? From the perspective of critical theory, the chapter addresses how we might begin to puncture the 'new political economy' in three ways. First, there is the concealment of interests. Second, there is what some call the instrumentalisation of everything. Third, there is what might be described as a cauterising or extirpation of critical reflective thought and action. Organisational malfeasance, toxic and zombie leadership, and maladministration all receive their warrants, remits, and licences from a higher authority than mere rogue or pathological individuals. Springer offers an account of 'the violence of neoliberalism' that is relevant institutionally within educational organisations. In the realm of education, this means that 'the policy rhetoric diagnoses the crisis in terms of the need to improve economic competitiveness, and a concomitant concern about educational standards'.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational perspectives on maladministration in education
Subtitle of host publicationTheories, research, and critiques
EditorsEugenie A Samier, Peter Milley
Place of PublicationNew York, USA
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor & Francis
Chapter3
Pages33-47
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-315-15022-2
ISBN (Print)978-1-138-55663-8, 978-1-138-55664-5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Neoliberalism
  • Leadership
  • political economy

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