the metaphysics of exec.ed

The following is a close reading of the text edited by Reynolds & Roffe called ‘Understanding Derrida’ (2004).

(p.14) Is technical refinement of authentic primordial experience necessarily impoverished? It’s not a case of jacking in Western metaphysical thinking within executive education (exec.ed) – it should be revealed and closely engaged.

Question: what is Western metaphysical thinking in exec.ed? Or, what is the role of metaphysics in exec.ed? Maybe, the ‘ultimate nature of management’ or the ‘reality of leadership or management’ or transcendent knowledge or truth about management & leadership’? Possibly belief in the endeavors of business schools – plainly, the belief in b-schools; belief in research-led education; belief in education or higher education; belief that learning outside the workplace is a good thing.

So, does it progress in a series from belief to doctrine, where doctrine is an unquestioned belief? Doctrine maintains a vigilant critical awareness of the tendency to slip into more doctrinaire forms of metaphysical thought. This is relatively simply to apply to exec.ed, namely working with the client to raise their/our awareness of the symbols they attach to exec.ed.

Metaphysics of exec.ed and corresponding deconstructive attitude: the value of the symbol attached to exec.ed (symbolic value): that can be put to good use, making sure it is recognised by the client and participants. Weaving the symbolic value into the client’s broader development portfolio: that can leader to complimentarity where these beliefs can also be challenged. These ‘management beliefs’ are a given – there is no beyond management.