When we think of glitter, we often associate it with children’s arts and crafts or glamorous makeup looks. But have you ever stopped to consider the deeper meaning behind glitter and its potential impact on management practices? In my research article, “The Sensuous Governmentality of Glitter: Educating Managing Women Scientists,” I delve into this very topic and explore how something as seemingly trivial as glitter can actually play a significant role in shaping new management practices.
As a management studies scholar, I have always been fascinated by the ways in which seemingly insignificant objects or practices can have a profound influence on how we understand and approach management. In my research, I have explored the role of various objects such as toys, clothing, and even food in shaping management practices. But it was when I stumbled upon a glitter-covered notebook belonging to one of my colleagues that I became intrigued by the potential of glitter as a tool for understanding management.
At first, I was met with skepticism and even laughter when I shared my idea of studying glitter in management. After all, glitter is often seen as frivolous and unserious, not something to be taken seriously in the world of academia. But I was determined to uncover the hidden meaning behind glitter and its potential influence on management practices.
Through in-depth interviews and observations, I discovered that glitter holds a unique power in the workplace. For many women scientists, who are often navigating a male-dominated field, glitter serves as a form of resistance and self-expression. It allows them to challenge traditional notions of professionalism and assert their femininity in a space where it is often seen as a weakness.
But glitter also has a deeper impact on management practices beyond its role in individual expression. It serves as a form of “sensuous governmentality,” shaping the ways in which women scientists approach their work and interactions with others. The glitter-covered notebooks and office supplies act as a reminder of their personal identities and values, influencing their decision-making and management styles.
Furthermore, glitter also has the power to challenge traditional notions of success and productivity in the workplace. Many women scientists I spoke to shared how the act of adding glitter to their work or workspace was a way of reclaiming their time and resisting the pressure to constantly be productive. In a world where success is often measured by output and efficiency, glitter serves as a reminder to slow down and take pleasure in the work itself.
But why should we take something as seemingly insignificant as glitter seriously in the realm of management studies? The answer lies in the potential for new and more inclusive management practices. By understanding the role of glitter in shaping the experiences of women scientists, we can begin to challenge traditional hierarchies and power dynamics in the workplace. We can also open up space for more diverse forms of expression and management styles, ultimately creating a more inclusive and dynamic work environment.
Of course, my research has its limitations and is by no means a definitive answer to the role of glitter in management. But it serves as a starting point for further exploration and highlights the need to broaden our understanding of what constitutes “serious” objects and practices in management studies.
As we continue to navigate an ever-changing and complex world of work, it is crucial that we open our minds to new and unconventional ways of thinking about management. We must challenge our preconceived notions and embrace the potential of seemingly trivial objects and practices to shape our understanding of management and ultimately create more inclusive and effective workplaces.
In conclusion, the next time you come across glitter in the workplace, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on its potential impact and the deeper meaning behind it. Let us not dismiss the power of glitter and other seemingly insignificant objects in shaping our management practices, but rather embrace them as valuable tools for understanding and improving our work environments. As management scholars, it is our responsibility to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring new avenues of thought, and glitter is just one of many unexpected paths waiting to be explored.
