We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new book edited by Prof. Michał Szostak, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research at Collegium Civitas, titled “Management Aesthetics: Kitsch and Modern Organisations.” Published by Routledge, this book will be available in November 2024.

“Management Aesthetics: Kitsch and Modern Organisations” offers a comprehensive theory of kitsch from an aesthetic and artistic perspective, applied to the fields of management and organizational studies. The book explores the idea that kitsch is not just a phenomenon in art and culture but is also prevalent in management practices. It argues that a conscious awareness and careful use of kitsch can be beneficial in achieving organizational and managerial goals.

Due to the diverse research topics covered in the book, there is no single methodology applied throughout. Each author has employed the most suitable methodology for their specific chapter. However, all chapters are united by their reference to the theory of kitsch experience (Szostak & Sułkowski, 2020), which is derived from the theory of aesthetic situations (Gołaszewska, 1984) and rooted in phenomenology (Ingarden, 1970). The research primarily utilizes qualitative methods, including case studies, comparative analyses, and ethnographic approaches. In some chapters, quantitative methods are also employed to test hypotheses.

Contributors to this volume include researchers from Collegium Civitas, such as Dr. Aleksandra Chmielewska, Dr. Magdalena El Ghamari, Dr. Andrzej Kondej, Dr. Marlena Kondrat, Dr. Wioletta Malota, and Prof. Michał Szostak, as well as renowned experts from other institutions.

This book represents a significant milestone in the current literature by applying the theory of kitsch experience across a broad spectrum of management and organizational areas, including marketing, advertising, brand management, business communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, decision-making, human resource management, corporate social responsibility, urban space management, technology and innovation management, and organizational culture. It is recommended reading for researchers, academics, practitioners, and management students alike.

For more information about the publication, visit the publisher’s website.