Anti Stupidity: How Organizations Can Trade Stupidity for Purpose

Mats Alvesson · Stella Cizinsky

Jul 2026 · Taylor & Francis

Ebook

250

Pages

Eligible

About this ebook

This book explores how functional stupidity – uncritical and unreflective thinking within prescribed, constrained ways – is institutionalized and why we should minimize it in workplaces.

How did our organizations become stagnant, and what can be done to revive them? Contemporary societal and organizational noise, extensive bureaucratization, silo thinking, imitation, bullshit talk, and meaningless meetings are destructive to workplaces. This book explains how we got here and shows escape routes through more independent thinking and speaking up. With spotlights on individual and organizational strategies to combat stupidity, various structures and practices to mobilize support are illuminated.

A provocative and entertaining read, this book will be practically useful reading for anyone interested in making organizations more effective.

This book explores how functional stupidity – uncritical and unreflective thinking within prescribed, constrained ways – is institutionalized and why we should minimize it in workplaces. How did our organizations become stagnant, and what can be done to revive them? Contemporary societal and orga...

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About the author

Mats Alvesson is Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Bath, UK, and is also affiliated with Lund University, Sweden, and City St George's, University of London, UK.

Stella Cizinsky is an MD, cardiologist and head of clinics at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden.

Mats Alvesson is Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Bath, UK, and is also affiliated with Lund University, Sweden, and City St George's, University of London, UK. Stella Cizinsky is an MD, cardiologist and head of clinics at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden.

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