Michał Szostak - Böcker

The book is the first worldwide publication of a complex theory of management aesthetics in humanistic management based on the aesthetics and arts approach allowing for a complete and systemic understanding of the management art and art management phenomena. The methodology is based on the critical literature review and empirical research applying qualitative, quantitative, and autoethnographic approaches. The main goal of this monograph is to create a holistic model that organises the issues of management aesthetics and shows the interdependence of the components of this model. The role of this model should be to perform a central function for a complete and systemic understanding of the phenomenon of management aesthetics, as well as to perform the function of a field based on which analysis of individual issues in the area of management aesthetics is conducted. The critical component of this holistic model is Maria Gołaszewska’s theory of the aesthetic situation. Two theses of the book are the following: (1) the theory of aesthetics and artistic practice have the potential to enrich the theory and practice of management with qualitative components through deep immersion in the world of values and (2) management theory and practice have the potential to enrich the theory of aesthetics and artistic practice with efficiency components.

The book is the first worldwide publication of a complex theory of management aesthetics in humanistic management based on the aesthetics and arts approach allowing for a complete and systemic understanding of the management art and art management phenomena. The methodology is based on the critical literature review and empirical research applying qualitative, quantitative, and autoethnographic approaches. The main goal of this monograph is to create a holistic model that organises the issues of management aesthetics and shows the interdependence of the components of this model. The role of this model should be to perform a central function for a complete and systemic understanding of the phenomenon of management aesthetics, as well as to perform the function of a field based on which analysis of individual issues in the area of management aesthetics is conducted. The critical component of this holistic model is Maria Gołaszewska’s theory of the aesthetic situation. Two theses of the book are the following: (1) the theory of aesthetics and artistic practice have the potential to enrich the theory and practice of management with qualitative components through deep immersion in the world of values and (2) management theory and practice have the potential to enrich the theory of aesthetics and artistic practice with efficiency components.

This edited collection presents the complex theory of kitsch from aesthetic and artistic points of view, transposed into managerial and organisational fields. In the spirit of management aesthetics, on the ground of humanistic management, the central aim of the volume is to show that kitsch is a common phenomenon not only in art and culture but also in management, and its conscious perception and mindful use may be beneficial for achieving organisational and managerial goals efficiently. Due to the diverse research problems covered by particular chapters, no unified methodology is applied in the book; every author applied an optimal method for the selected topic. However, due to the complex and metaphysical character of the kitsch phenomenon, the only common fundament of all chapters is using the kitsch experience theory (Szostak and Sułkowski, 2020). The dominant analytical approach is qualitative, with extensive use of case studies, comparative analyses, and ethnographic focus. Despite this, some chapters also include the application of the quantitative approach for the hypotheses’ verification. This book makes a giant step ahead of its competitors by implementing the kitsch theory, especially the kitsch experience theory in a broad spectrum of managerial and organisational fields like marketing, advertising, brand management, business communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, decision-making, human resource management, corporate social responsibility, city space management, management of technology and innovation, and organisational culture. It should be a must-read for researchers, academics, practitioners, and advanced students in these fields.

This book, situated at the intersection of humanistic management, aesthetics, and artificial intelligence (AI) studies, aims to explore how the emergence of AI-driven solutions reshapes managerial paradigms, alters human experiences within organisations, and redefines the values guiding leadership, communication, and organisational development. By adopting a cross-disciplinary and multi-paradigmatic perspective, the volume seeks not only to identify the opportunities AI presents for enhancing human dignity and creativity at work but also to critically examine the risks of dehumanisation, aesthetic homogenisation, and ethical displacement. In the contemporary discourse on management theory and practice, the accelerated integration of AI technologies has initiated profound transformations that challenge the traditional humanistic foundations of organisational life. While AI is often perceived primarily through the lens of operational efficiency, cost optimisation, and decision-making enhancement, it also raises fundamental questions about the aesthetic, ethical, and relational dimensions of management. In this context, the book’s critical research problem was formulated in the following manner: understanding how AI-driven aesthetics influence the humanistic character of management, under what conditions AI can serve human-centred goals rather than eroding them, and what long-term consequences AI integration may have for the emotional, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions of organisational life. Addressing these issues is essential for developing management practices that harmonise technological advancement with the humanistic values of autonomy, authenticity, empathy, and aesthetic experience.

This volume explores the role of the aesthetics of the synergy between humanism and artificial intelligence (AI) on the level of institutions and organisations, influencing individuals’ well-being. Grounded in the principles of the humanistic management paradigm—emphasising sustainability, social organisations and entrepreneurship, conscious capitalism, and the protection of human dignity—it investigates how aesthetic principles (harmony, transparency, emotional resonance, cultural adaptability, or depth insights), applied between a human-centric approach and the use of AI-powered solutions, may help shape public perceptions, foster trust, and affect the quality of institutions within politics, governance, media, and social services. An aesthetic perspective becomes crucial as AI’s influence expands, shaping governance mechanisms, media, social interactions, and societal organisation. It enables a critical examination of the challenges, risks, and opportunities arising from this growing role, ensuring a responsible, conscious, and balanced approach to AI’s integration into public life. Through theoretical insights, conceptual frameworks, practical case studies, and empirical investigations, it highlights the transformative potential of aesthetics. This book follows a progressive analytical approach, beginning with macro-level institutional frameworks (politics and governance), moving through public discourse (media and perception), and concluding with micro-level applications (social care and well-being). This structured narrative presents a coherent examination of key aspects demonstrating how aesthetic considerations influence the synthesis between the humanistic approach and AI in different domains of societal life.

The book aims to provide a contemporary individual with an extensive but focused set of examples of kitsch in non-artistic spheres to create theoretical and practical backgrounds for conscious recognition of kitsch in fields like psychology, education, politics, law, religion, terrorism, television, or journalism.