The Management Club—Collusive Team-Playing and Players

Abstract

Anyone who has talked to a headhunter or recruiter in recent years for an entry level or higher management position knows that most employers look for “team” players. Company representatives make it very clear from the beginning, during the interviewing process, that the firm wants someone who is a willing and cooperating member of the management team—or, the “club,” so to speak. The importance of being a team player is invariably stressed. The organization prefers everyone at all levels of management to follow the “rules,” like a football player, taking orders from the head coach. The coach, directly or indirectly, calls the shots and guides his/her players, along with some serving as assistant coach, team captain, quarterback, and so forth. Each player accordingly plays the tune under the direction of the maestro, in coordination and harmony, like in a musical concert.