41

This article focuses on the why and how of research and teaching of ‘alternative management’ in business schools, in times of so-called ‘academic capitalism’ (Ramboarisata et al., 2022). First, the literature on responsible management sets out the major characteristics of this management alternative, which aims to provide sustainable and fair responses to the major contemporary challenges in terms of managerial practices. The second part questions the concrete implications of this “other” approach to management by dealing with a particular managerial practice, inherent to operational performance, namely Lean management. Finally, it concludes with a discussion on the urgency of these transformations, from a critical and pragmatic perspective, beyond grand declarations and good intentions.