Issues in Critical Management Studies: Rethinking Leadership and Organisations

The world of business and leadership is changing fast. Companies today face big questions:

• How do we grow without harming the planet?
• How do we lead in fair and ethical ways?
• And how do we make sure management is about more than just profit?

Across the world, businesses are being held to higher standards. Shareholders are no longer the only focus — people, communities, and the planet also matter. 

In South Africa, where transformation, fairness, and sustainability are key national goals, these questions are even more important.

At REGENT Business School, these ideas are taken seriously. 

Through its Brown Bag Seminar Series, REGENT brings together academics, students, and the public to explore Critical Management Studies (CMS) — a new way of thinking about leadership that questions old methods and seeks better, fairer solutions.

CMS encourages students and leaders to look beyond profits, to ask: Who benefits from this decision? How does it impact people and the planet?

In this article, we’ll explore what CMS means, why it matters in South Africa, and how REGENT is leading the way in shaping the next generation of ethical and socially responsible leaders.

What are Critical Management Studies South Africa?

Critical Management Studies (CMS) is about asking tough questions. It looks at management and leadership from a new angle — one that questions traditional business ideas.

CMS challenges mainstream business thinking by asking whether common management practices truly create value for all or simply benefit a few.

Instead of simply asking how to make companies more efficient or profitable, CMS asks:

• Is this way of managing fair?
• Does it benefit everyone, or just a few at the top?
• What impact does it have on society and the environment?

For example, teamwork is often seen as positive. But CMS encourages us to ask whether teamwork can sometimes pressure people to conform or overwork. It’s not about rejecting business success. It’s about making success ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.

How CMS challenges traditional business thinking

For many years, business schools around the world focused on one main goal — increasing profits. 

This profit-first mindset shaped the way business schools designed their programmes and trained future managers. 

Today, CMS calls for critical theory in business schools — a more thoughtful approach that equips students to question profit-driven models and prioritise ethics, sustainability, and inclusion.

Traditional management theories often encouraged strict hierarchies, competition, and control. Managers were trained to think about productivity and efficiency first, and people or the planet second.

Critical Management Studies (CMS) challenges this way of thinking. It asks a different question: Should success only be measured by money?

Instead of accepting “business as usual,” CMS encourages leaders to look at the bigger picture. This includes ethics, fairness, and social responsibility. 

For example, a traditional company might focus only on cutting costs to boost profits. A CMS-inspired company, however, would ask how those cost-cutting decisions affect employees, local communities, and long-term sustainability.

In South Africa, this new way of thinking is vital. Our economy still faces the effects of inequality and unemployment. Businesses that only chase profit risk widening those gaps. 

CMS provides a framework for leaders to balance financial growth with fairness, creating workplaces that empower people and strengthen communities.

By challenging old business ideas, CMS doesn’t reject success — it simply redefines it. It reminds us that how we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves.

The history and origins of Critical Management Studies

Critical Management Studies began in the 1980s when researchers started questioning the way business schools were teaching management. Most courses focused heavily on profits, productivity, and control.

A group of academics wanted something different. They believed that management should also care about people, fairness, and long-term social impact. 

Their ideas were influenced by critical theory, a branch of thought in the social sciences that challenges power structures and questions how systems shape society. 

By applying critical theory to management, these CMS scholars encouraged leaders to reflect on fairness, justice, and the social impact of their decisions.

Over time, this grew into a worldwide movement. Today, universities across the globe include CMS in their programmes to train leaders who think critically, act ethically, and understand the world beyond balance sheets.

In South Africa, CMS has become especially meaningful. It encourages future leaders to rethink business and management in ways that promote equality, transformation, and justice — values that align closely with the country’s goals for growth and inclusion.

Postcolonial and African perspectives in CMS

Critical Management Studies in South Africa cannot be separated from its local context. Much of traditional management theory and practice was developed in Western countries, based on their cultural and economic realities. 

But Africa’s story, shaped by colonial history, community values, and social transformation, is different.

Postcolonial CMS looks at how business and education systems can be more inclusive of African voices, experiences, and ways of leading. It asks:

• Do Western management models work in African workplaces?
• How can local traditions and values guide leadership?
• What does fairness and accountability mean in the South African context?

African philosophies like Ubuntu — meaning “I am because we are” — align closely with CMS principles. Ubuntu promotes shared responsibility, empathy, and community success. It reminds leaders that people thrive when they support one another.

At REGENT Business School, this perspective is embraced in seminars and class discussions. Students are encouraged to link global theories to local realities, asking how management can serve communities, not just corporations.

Postcolonial CMS gives students the confidence to question imported ideas and create new management models rooted in African innovation, ethics, and inclusivity.

Core principles of Critical Management Studies

Critical Management Studies (CMS) is built on key principles that shape how people think about leadership, organisations, and society. These principles help students and professionals understand that business success must also include fairness, purpose, and responsibility.

1. Power and inequality

CMS looks closely at how power is distributed in organisations. It asks important questions: 

• Who has influence? 
• Who gets left out of decisions? 

Often, those at the top make most of the choices, while others have little say. CMS challenges this by encouraging leaders to share power, listen to employees, and build systems where everyone’s ideas are valued.

For example, a company might include staff from different departments in key planning meetings or set up suggestion systems so all workers can share feedback. This not only creates fairness but also leads to more innovative and balanced decision-making.

2. Ethics and responsibility

In today’s world, business decisions affect more than just profits. CMS reminds leaders that ethics must come first. This means asking: 

• Is this decision fair to employees, customers, and the community? 
• Or does it harm the environment?

For instance, when choosing suppliers, an ethical company would avoid those that exploit workers or damage ecosystems. Being responsible builds long-term trust and strengthens a brand’s reputation.

3. Sustainability and social justice

CMS believes that profit should never come at the expense of people or the planet. It promotes sustainable growth — a business that balances financial success with environmental care and social fairness.

In South Africa, this principle connects deeply to issues like poverty reduction and community empowerment. 

A business guided by CMS might use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, or invest in local suppliers to create jobs. This approach supports both the economy and the environment.

4. Critical reflection

True leadership starts with the ability to reflect. CMS teaches future leaders to pause and ask, Why do we do things this way? And who benefits from this decision?

By thinking critically, leaders can spot hidden problems — like unfair treatment, bias, or short-term thinking — and make changes that align with fairness and sustainability. 

Reflection also helps managers learn from mistakes and improve continuously, rather than repeating harmful patterns.

5. Inclusion and participation

CMS values diversity — not just in gender or culture, but in ideas and experiences. It encourages open dialogue where everyone’s perspective counts. When people feel included, they are more motivated, creative, and loyal.

For example, companies can form inclusive teams that bring together people from different backgrounds, ensuring a mix of skills and viewpoints. This leads to better decisions and stronger workplace relationships.

By applying these principles, CMS helps create leaders who are thoughtful, fair, and ready to handle modern business challenges.

Why is CMS important in South Africa?

South Africa faces unique challenges: unemployment, inequality, poverty, and sustainability. These problems can’t be solved by focusing only on profits.

The challenges in management studies here go far beyond numbers and bottom lines. Students and leaders must think about fairness, inclusion, and sustainability. That’s why REGENT Business School places such a strong focus on ethical business education.

This is where CMS helps. It teaches students and professionals to think critically about leadership and decision-making. For example:

• Can entrepreneurship also fight poverty?
• Can business leaders break down the barriers that hold women back?
• Can companies protect the environment while still growing?

By asking these questions, Critical Management Studies in South Africa equips future leaders with the tools to create meaningful change — both in business and in society.

South Africa also struggles with structural inequalities that affect workplaces and communities. CMS responds by pushing for equity and inclusion in business and promoting social justice leadership. This ensures organisations serve society, not just shareholders.

How CMS supports South Africa’s social and economic goals

CMS thinking fits perfectly with South Africa’s broader goals of transformation and sustainable development.

• Transformation and empowerment: CMS supports fair hiring practices and diversity in leadership, aligning with B-BBEE goals.
• Ethical entrepreneurship: It inspires business owners to use innovation to solve social problems — like youth unemployment or education access.
• Public sector accountability: CMS encourages transparency and ethical governance, helping rebuild trust between institutions and communities.
• Community development: Leaders trained in CMS are more likely to invest in projects that uplift local economies and improve the quality of life.

By linking education with national priorities, CMS helps shape business leaders who contribute to South Africa’s progress while staying globally competitive.

CMS and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Critical Management Studies connects closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

CMS supports goals like:

• Quality education — by promoting inclusive, ethical learning.
• Gender equality — by challenging barriers in leadership.
• Decent work and economic growth — by encouraging fair treatment in the workplace.
• Climate action — by focusing on sustainable business practices.

By linking management education to these goals, REGENT helps students think globally while acting locally, preparing them to build businesses that make a positive difference.

Key issues discussed in the Seminar Series

The Brown Bag Seminar Series at REGENT covered many important topics, each shining a light on new ways to think about leadership and organisations. Here are some of the highlights.

• Business and ethics: Why businesses must act with honesty and fairness, not just chase profits.
• Social entrepreneurship and innovation: How business ideas can help solve social problems like hunger or unemployment.
• Women and the glass ceiling: The barriers women face in leadership, and how to break through them.
• Sustainability: Finding a balance between business growth and protecting the planet.
• Leadership and management: Exploring the differences between leading people and managing systems — and why both matter.
• Africa rising: Looking at Africa’s growth with a critical eye, asking what it really means for people on the ground.
• Change management: Helping organisations adapt in times of big change.
• Food security, poverty reduction, and land use: Tackling issues that go beyond the boardroom but still shape economies and societies.

These themes show that CMS is not just about theory. It’s about real-world problems that affect people, communities, and nations.

The series also highlights alternative management approaches, from social entrepreneurship to sustainability, while drawing on postcolonial management studies, which ask how global business ideas fit into African realities.

Real-world examples of CMS in action

Critical Management Studies is about creating change that can be seen and felt. Across South Africa, many organisations are already putting CMS principles into practice by combining business success with social responsibility.

1. Building communities through renewable energy

Companies such as SOLA Group and Bokpoort CSP are great examples of how profit and purpose can work together. 

These renewable energy projects don’t just focus on producing solar power — they also create hundreds of local jobs, train community members in technical skills, and support small businesses around their sites.

This reflects CMS values like sustainability and empowerment, showing how a company can help fight climate change while uplifting people.

2. Social enterprises that create opportunity

Organisations like The Clothing Bank show how entrepreneurship can reduce inequality. The Clothing Bank trains unemployed South African women to start their own small retail businesses using excess clothing donations. 

The programme promotes self-reliance, dignity, and economic inclusion — turning what could be waste into opportunity.

This example highlights CMS’s belief that leadership should focus on long-term human development, not only financial growth.

3. Fair trade and ethical retailing

Retailers such as Woolworths and Faithful to Nature are leaders in ethical sourcing. 

Woolworths’ “Farming for the Future” programme helps farmers use environmentally friendly methods that protect soil and water, while Faithful to Nature supports small local suppliers who follow fair trade and cruelty-free standards.

Both companies show how ethical responsibility and sustainability can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Issues in management education

Modern management education faces several challenges — both in South Africa and around the world. 

While traditional business schools have helped shape skilled managers, many programmes still focus too narrowly on profits, performance, and competition. This approach can leave out the human, ethical, and social dimensions that are vital in today’s world.

1. Overemphasis on profit and performance

Many management courses still teach students to measure success mainly in financial terms. As a result, leaders might learn how to grow a company but not how to grow people or communities. 

CMS calls for a more balanced approach — one that values ethics, empathy, and social impact alongside economic results.

2. Limited focus on local context

Much of business education still relies on Western models that don’t always reflect African realities. South African students, for example, must understand how inequality, unemployment, and transformation influence business decisions. 

CMS encourages the inclusion of local case studies, social entrepreneurship examples, and indigenous knowledge systems such as Ubuntu to make learning more relevant and empowering.

3. Lack of inclusivity and representation

Leadership and management classrooms have historically lacked diversity in voices and perspectives. When only certain viewpoints are represented, education risks reinforcing existing power imbalances. 

CMS promotes inclusion — making space for different backgrounds, ideas, and lived experiences in academic discussions.

4. Gaps between theory and practice

Students often graduate with strong theoretical knowledge but a limited understanding of real-world challenges. 

CMS bridges this gap by promoting experiential learning through community projects, debates, and critical reflection. This helps students connect classroom lessons to real management situations.

5. Ethical and sustainability challenges

Today’s businesses face complex ethical dilemmas — from climate change to digital privacy. Management education must prepare students to handle these responsibly. 

CMS pushes educators to include topics like sustainability, social justice, and responsible leadership in their curriculum.

In short, management education needs to evolve. It must go beyond teaching how to run organisations efficiently — and start teaching how to run them responsibly. 

REGENT Business School is at the forefront of this shift, combining academic excellence with ethical purpose and social relevance.

The role of CMS in leadership development

Leadership is about managing people and guiding change. CMS helps students become reflective and responsible leaders who think before they act.

A CMS-trained leader doesn’t simply focus on efficiency; they focus on impact. They ask how their choices affect others and use their position to inspire fairness and innovation.

For example, a project manager who studies CMS might design a community housing initiative that creates jobs while providing affordable homes. Or a company executive might use CMS principles to ensure fair treatment for suppliers in small towns.

This kind of leadership goes beyond business success — it creates lasting social value.

Criticisms and debates around CMS

Like any academic field, CMS has its debates. Some critics say CMS can be too theoretical or “anti-business.” They argue that focusing too much on criticism might distract from action and profit.

However, supporters of CMS say that criticism is exactly what the business needs to improve. By questioning systems and power structures, CMS helps companies build better practices that balance purpose and profit.

At REGENT, this balance is central. The Brown Bag Seminar Series bridges theory and practice by inviting professionals to discuss real examples. Students don’t just learn about CMS — they learn how to apply it in real life.

This mix of reflection and action helps prepare future leaders who can manage ethically in complex environments.

How students benefit from studying CMS

Studying CMS helps students:

• Think critically and question traditional ideas.
• Understand ethics and make fair, responsible choices.
• Solve problems creatively and sustainably.
• Build leadership, communication, and empathy skills.

CMS also prepares graduates for careers in many fields — from human resources and consulting to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and public policy.

For instance, a student might use CMS thinking to start a social enterprise that trains young people in digital skills. Another might use it in corporate settings to design diversity programmes or sustainability policies.

These are practical, high-impact outcomes that show how CMS transforms both people and workplaces.

Technology, AI, and the future of Critical Management Studies

Technology is changing the way we work faster than ever before. Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital transformation are reshaping how businesses make decisions. But with this progress comes new challenges — and CMS helps leaders handle them responsibly.

As machines take over more tasks, leaders must ask critical questions:

• How do we use AI fairly and ethically?
• What happens to employees when automation replaces jobs?
• Can technology improve lives instead of creating inequality?

CMS offers the tools to think critically about these issues. It teaches future managers to balance innovation with humanity. For instance, a business using AI for hiring must ensure its system doesn’t unfairly filter out candidates based on gender, age, or background.

At REGENT, these discussions form part of the broader conversation about ethical leadership. Students learn to see technology not just as a business tool but as a force that must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability.

The combination of CMS and technology studies helps prepare graduates for the future of work — one where leadership requires not only technical knowledge but also moral courage.

How CMS is taught at REGENT Business School

REGENT’s approach to teaching CMS is hands-on and inclusive. Students learn through:

• Case studies and projects: Applying theory to real business challenges.
• Interactive seminars: Engaging with guest speakers and thought leaders.
• Collaborative learning: Working in teams to explore diverse perspectives.
• Community engagement: Using classroom knowledge to solve local problems.
• Digital tools: Exploring management innovation through online learning.

The Brown Bag Seminar Series also plays a big role. These 15–20 minute sessions allow students and lecturers to share ideas, debate important issues, and think critically about leadership in South Africa and beyond.

This open, discussion-based model helps students become confident, reflective, and socially aware — the kind of leaders the world needs right now.

The future of management education in South Africa

The world of work is changing fast. Artificial intelligence, automation, and globalisation are reshaping how companies operate.

The future of management education will focus on skills like ethics, critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration.

REGENT Business School is helping shape that future by encouraging students to think beyond the textbook — to become leaders who use business as a force for good.

Which is the hardest subject in management?

Management covers many subjects. From finance and human resources to marketing and operations. The hardest subject often depends on what you find challenging.

For many students, financial management can be tricky because it involves numbers, budgets, and data analysis. Others find strategic management difficult since it requires deep thinking and decision-making skills.

However, every subject becomes easier when you stay curious and connect what you learn to real-life business situations. At REGENT, lecturers make sure students get the support they need to succeed — even in the tougher modules.

What is an NQF Level 6 qualification?

In South Africa, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) helps students understand different levels of education.

An NQF Level 6 qualification usually refers to a Diploma or Advanced Certificate. These qualifications build solid management and business knowledge and prepare you for higher levels, such as a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7).

At REGENT, you can start with a Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5), then move up to a Diploma or Degree — creating a clear pathway for growth in your career.

Which course is best for management studies?

The best course depends on your goals and experience:

• If you’re just starting out, the Higher Certificate in Business Management is a great first step.
• If you want to specialise, try the BCom in Human Resource Management or the BCom in Supply Chain Management.
• If you already have a degree and want to move into leadership, the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management or an MBA is ideal.

Each course helps you build strong leadership, problem-solving, and business skills — preparing you to make smart, ethical decisions in the workplace.

FAQs

What makes CMS different from normal management studies?

Normal management studies often focus on profit and efficiency. CMS goes further. It asks: Is this fair? Is this sustainable? Does it help society?

Can CMS ideas work in the real world?

Yes. Companies today face pressure from customers and governments to act responsibly. CMS helps leaders adapt by thinking about ethics, sustainability, and fairness.

Why should South African students care?

Because CMS connects directly to issues like inequality, unemployment, and poverty. It helps students become leaders who can solve problems that matter most to South Africa.

Does REGENT teach CMS in its programmes?

Yes. REGENT includes CMS themes in its seminars and courses, encouraging students to question old ways of thinking and to become ethical leaders.

What falls under management studies?

Management studies cover many areas, such as leadership, strategy, marketing, accounting, human resources, operations, and entrepreneurship. CMS takes these same areas but adds a new lens — asking whether the practices are fair, inclusive, and sustainable.

What careers can I pursue after studying management?

Graduates can work in HR, operations, consulting, sustainability, or start their own business. Management skills are valuable in nearly every industry.

Can CMS help entrepreneurs?

Yes, it can. Entrepreneurs trained in CMS are better equipped to build businesses that care about both people and profit — creating long-term impact.

Study management courses with REGENT

Critical Management Studies is about more than just questioning business. It’s about reimagining leadership and organisations in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Through its Brown Bag Seminar Series, REGENT Business School is giving students, professionals, and the public a space to debate, learn, and create new ideas. 

This makes REGENT a leader in shaping the future of management education — not just for South Africa, but for the world.

If you’re passionate about leadership that drives positive change, REGENT’s programmes and seminars are the perfect place to start. You can have a look at the following management courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management – build strong skills in managing people.
• Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management – understand how goods and services move across industries and borders.
• Higher Certificate in Business Management – a great entry point for anyone starting out in management studies.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management – perfect for graduates who want to sharpen their project leadership and strategic thinking.
• MBA – advanced learning for those aiming to lead organisations at the highest level.