In this episode I review a 2017 book by Professor Peter Fleming, entitled 'The Death of Homo Economicus: Work, Debt and the Myth of Endless Accumulation'. I discuss its bracing and polemical critique of 'late capitalism' and the strengths and limitations of such 'critical management studies' perspectives which aim to shed light on power, control, exploitation and resistance in our workplaces and societies.

Episode Notes

The Guardian (2017) ‘The Death of Homo Economicus review – why does capitalism

(https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/28/death-homo-economicus-peter-fleming-review)

Calvard, T. S., & Sang, K. J. (2017). Complementing psychological approaches to

Spicer, A., & Alvesson, M. (2024). Critical Management Studies: A Critical Review.

In this episode I talk about the context surrounding Charlie Chaplin's 1940 film The Great Dictator, which parodies Hitler and Mussolini, while also having serious things to say about fascism, authoritarianism and Nazism. In terms of work and organisation, I also touch on its enduring implications for leadership, power and comedy.

Episode Notes

- The Guardian (2010) ‘The Great Dictator: No 22 best comedy film of all time’ (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/18/chaplin-great-dictator-comedy)

- Literary Hub (2023) ‘Laughing At Evil: When Charlie Chaplin Brought Hitler to the Big Screen’ (https://lithub.com/laughing-at-evil-when-charlie-chaplin-brought-hitler-to-the-big-screen/)

- Aeon (2020) ‘Laughter is vital’ (https://aeon.co/essays/for-henri-bergson-laughter-is-what-keeps-us-elastic-and-free)