Anti Stupidity
How Organizations Can Trade Stupidity for Purpose
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 14. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
242 pages
978-1-041-06681-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book explores how functional stupidity - uncritical and unreflective thinking within prescribed, constrained ways - is institutionalized and why we should minimize it in workplaces.
How did our organizations become stagnant, and what can be done to revive them? Contemporary societal and organizational noise, extensive bureaucratization, silo thinking, imitation, bullshit talk, and meaningless meetings are destructive to workplaces. This book explains how we got here and shows escape routes through more independent thinking and speaking up. With spotlights on individual and organizational strategies to combat stupidity, various structures and practices to mobilize support are illuminated.
A provocative and entertaining read, this book will be practically useful reading for anyone interested in making organizations more effective.
How did our organizations become stagnant, and what can be done to revive them? Contemporary societal and organizational noise, extensive bureaucratization, silo thinking, imitation, bullshit talk, and meaningless meetings are destructive to workplaces. This book explains how we got here and shows escape routes through more independent thinking and speaking up. With spotlights on individual and organizational strategies to combat stupidity, various structures and practices to mobilize support are illuminated.
A provocative and entertaining read, this book will be practically useful reading for anyone interested in making organizations more effective.
Reviews / Votes
"Functional stupidity: it's the glue that inhibits innovation and impact, and it's the lubricant that keeps non-value adding nonsense flowing. This book is packed with therapeutic and useful insights on how to confront and diminish this stupidity." Ian McCarthy, Simon Fraser University, Canada"Adopting a critical focus on management practices, this book offers interventions and practical suggestions to push back against functional stupidity at work. The authors adeptly challenge the flawed obedience entrenched in existing organizational processes, while encouraging independent thinking and critical dialogue to deliver more meaningful and positive working environments." Barbara Plester, University of Auckland, New Zealand
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate and Professional Practice & Development
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-06681-1 (9781041066811)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 07/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€166.50
Not yet published
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Routledge
€39.49
Available for download
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Routledge
€39.49
Available for download
Persons
Mats Alvesson is Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Bath, UK, and is also affiliated with Lund University, Sweden, and City St George's, University of London, UK.
Stella Cizinsky is an MD, cardiologist and head of clinics at OErebro University Hospital, Sweden.
Stella Cizinsky is an MD, cardiologist and head of clinics at OErebro University Hospital, Sweden.
Content
1. Introduction Part 1. How Stupidity is Cultivated 2. Stupidity and Other Misery Cut Short 3. Functional Stupidity - Existential Anxiolytc and Social Lubricant 4. Organized Stupidity or Stupidity in Organizations 5. Sins, Ailments and Fragile Times Part 2. Fighting Functional Stupidity 6. Fighting Functional Stupidity I: Individual Initiatives 7. Fighting Functional Stupidity II: Organizational Solutions 8. Fighting Functional Stupidity, Warnings and Pitfalls 9. Summary and Closing Words