Peer Review

Critical Thinking for Managers

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Dec 2, 2024 by Business

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

NOTE: This book is from BookBoon which is free for 30 days. Then one must subscribe to their service. However, you can sign up as a Student and get free access. Critical thinking is a tool from sociology that reveals preconceptions that can undermine logical thinking. It identifies where assumed facts are really beliefs based on a biased point of view. Creative techniques such as “blue sky” thinking can be limited by fear of challenging the assumed beliefs of the people at the top of the power hierarchy. Critical thinking is not a rebellion against power but an aid to assertive communication. Critical thinking is taught as part of university post-graduate degrees in strategic management. Critical thinking is essential for logical decision-making.

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Textbook

Recommended Uses:

1. Class instructions and lecturess

2. Workshops

3. Case study material

4. Research

1. Class instructions and lecturess

2. Workshops

3. Case study material

4. Research

Technical Requirements:

Mozilla Firefox 95.0.1, Chrome

Identify Major Learning Goals:

To identify preconceptions and biases that can distort logical thinking.
To explore creative techniques, e.g. “blue sky”.
To encourage free thinking.
To improve assertive communication, enabling individuals to communicate more effectively and challenge ideas constructively without being confrontational.
To assist and improve postgraduate strategic management programs to equip students to analyze multifaceted situations, develop strategies, and make informed decisions in management and leadership positions.

Target Student Population:

This is recommended for upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and professional development. This is recommended for anyone pursuing a career related to leadership and management in organizations of any kind.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic understanding of principles of management and/or Introduction to Business.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Asking “why” questions illustrates the way to determine why people behave as they do, and the book begins with asking “why” with several scenarios or examples.
The book explains how managers need to think through situations, not use intuition, and instead address facts instead of beliefs. Jumping to conclusions is never a good idea.
Exercises are included in the chapter.

Concerns:

One concern is that there are no clear objectives provided at the beginning of the chapter so readers understand what material is being covered.
Review information at the end of each chapter would also be helpful

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Many different aspects of social interaction are included in the book such as the difference between points of view, psychological deception, and how we tend to put our interests above those of other people.
Our thinking could be based on an insufficient understanding of the meaning of freedom and power, and managers may be locked into a belief system based on perceptions of a power structure.
The book explains the concept of psychological deception as meddling with other people’s thoughts so they would make choices against their own interests, gaining power through temptation and fear
The sociology of critical thinking is presented based on the Habermas theory of communicative action. Practical applications are present, such as spotting psychological deception in chapter 3.

Concerns:

For teaching effectiveness, the same concern about the lack of objectives and review material would apply. These items would also help instructors focus on specific learning goals.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The book is easy to read and easy to understand;
The author lays out clear arguments and integrates these with exercises and clear explanations
The book is engaging

Concerns:

None

Other Issues and Comments:

The review is based on chapters 1 and 2
It would be helpful to be able to download for easier accessibility.

Creative Commons: