A Note on Reading Books

4 Pages Posted: 21 Oct 2008

See all articles by R. Edward Freeman

R. Edward Freeman

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business

Abstract

This note explains the role of books, especially classics, in the business school curriculum. It proposes a method for reading books both actively and critically. It concludes with a brief analysis of the concept of reading as a creative act.

Excerpt

UVA-BC-0026

A NOTE ON READING BOOKS

Introduction

Books are longer and more complex than the standard materials used in a business school curriculum, therefore requiring that students apply sharp analytical skills. The purpose of this note is to explore some methods and techniques for reading books in the context of a case method curriculum. Throughout this note, “books” refers to fiction and non‑fiction, not textbooks.

The Purpose of Reading Books

Good books can deepen our understanding of management. They provide us with models and theories that can be applied to decisions we will face. Books provide detailed descriptions of how various people have dealt with issues that are relevant to managers. They can also simply give us ideas that we've never thought of before.

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Keywords: communication process, education, higher, management philosophy, pedagogy

Suggested Citation

Freeman, R. Edward, A Note on Reading Books. Darden Case No. UVA-BC-0026, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=907727 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.907727

R. Edward Freeman (Contact Author)

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business ( email )

P.O. Box 6550
Charlottesville, VA 22906-6550
United States
804-924-0935 (Phone)
804-924-6378 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty/freeman.htm

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