“Management is philosophy in action,” according to IE University President Santiago Íñiguez de Onzoño

The latest book by IE University President Santiago Íñiguez, Philosophy Inc.: Applying Wisdom to Everyday Management (Palgrave 2023), presents a collection of management ideas inspired by renowned philosophers and provides a framework, as well as a series of business situations, for analyzing decisions from the perspective of values and principles.

The combination of philosophy and management may, at first, seem counterintuitive. These days, many business leaders find that they must form opinions quickly and make decisions on the fly, which means there is little room for reflection. Philosophy, on the other hand, demands such reflection in order to address the basic questions of our existence, our identity, and the models for living that might inspire our actions. With Philosophy Inc. President Íñiguez shows the ways in which an understanding of philosophy can lend meaning to many management practices and to business at large, while enhancing self-satisfaction and happiness at work. With insights on topics such as how to gain respect at work, how to cultivate an optimistic outlook and how to shrug off failure, the book offers timeless advice for managers that can be applied for their personal and professional development.

“Management is philosophy in action: key business decisions always reflect philosophical values or principles,” President Iniguez said at the book launch for Philosophy Inc., which took place at the IE Tower and brought together special guests and representatives of the Madrid community, including IE University founder Diego del Alcázar Silvela and former deputy prime minister of Spain Elena Salgado, with IE faculty, students, and staff. President Iniguez was joined by a panel that included Maria Jose Ferrari, vice dean of the IE University Arts & Humanities Division; Theodore Lechterman, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at IE University, and IE University students Johanna Jakobi and Dane Chilton.

“It’s truly something special to have a book that combines real expertise in both philosophy and management, and what is so impressive about Philosophy Inc. is the way it finds the golden mean between these two disciplines,” comments Ted Lechterman.

“The book is attuned to the mindsets and challenges that managers face, and at the same time it engages with philosophical texts in a serious and sophisticated way.”
Ted Lechterman, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at IE University