The Epistemological Side of Teaching Management: Teaching Through Principles

Abstract

I present a new method for teaching management—teaching through principles. I start by presenting the philosophical base of this method, objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand, focusing on the nature and cognitive role of concepts and principles. I then describe two approaches that can be used when teaching through principles: The inductive and deductive methods. I present examples of course principles that emerge from the inductive approach. I conclude by discussing the challenges facing the practicing manager who tries to apply and orchestrate principles learned in class in real organizational settings.