The Evolution of Managers

In a world where the line between managers and minimum wage workers blurs, a recent revelation exposed a dubious practice among various companies—labeling low-wage employees as managers to evade overtime pay. Panera, Verizon, JPMorgan, Publix, Walmart, Facebook, Staples, Lowe's, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut all stand accused of this maneuver, sparking public outrage. But beyond the corporate shenanigans, a more profound question arises: Why do managers exist at all? Join us on this rollercoaster journey through the history of management, where the definition of a manager is as fluid as the corporate landscape.

Let's rewind the clock to the early 1900s when management, as we know it today, was in its infancy. While managerial duties existed throughout history, the organized career path of management emerged a little over a century ago. According to sociologists Boltansky and Chappello, this codification of management wasn't a coincidence; it was a survival strategy for capitalism. As socialist ideologies gained momentum, threatening the existing power structures, capitalists needed a way to pacify the discontent brewing among the masses.

Picture the early 20th century, a time of fervent socialist movements, massive union strikes, and political upheaval. The rise of organized socialism posed a genuine threat to capitalism. In response, capitalists didn't dismantle the system; instead, they embraced a strategic transformation. Management became a tool to survive criticism by presenting a façade of change while keeping the fundamental power dynamics intact.

Fast forward to the 1930s, a time when socialism and worker activism were at their peak. Capitalists, realizing the need to compromise, introduced the concept of middle management. The promise of a middle-class life, meritocracy, and a more organized work structure helped dampen revolutionary fervor. Workers could now aspire to rise through the ranks, and management became a shield for the ruling class, deflecting anger away from the capitalist owners.

However, this tactic only worked for a while. The '60s saw a resurgence of discontent as the left found new ways to express their grievances. The old compromises of a managerial class and New Deal policies were deemed insufficient. Exploitation, inequality, and systemic issues persisted, giving rise to a new wave of criticisms. Capitalism adapted once again, absorbing some of these critiques without fundamentally altering the power dynamics.

Enter neoliberalism in the late 20th century, where the critique of hierarchy transformed into a conservative neoliberal critique of government. In the workplace, self-management became the buzzword. Open spaces and cubicles replaced rigid hierarchies, and workers were entrusted to supervise one another. The rhetoric shifted from the freedom to be a middle-class worker to the freedom to be on your own, marking a new era of capitalism.

Managers found themselves in a more precarious position, surrounded by part-time and temporary workers. The rise of self-monitoring and flexible work structures diminished the traditional role of a manager. Companies, exploiting advancements in technology, monitored employees extensively, making the managerial role seem increasingly redundant.

Today, the study exposing mislabeling of minimum wage workers as managers underscores a system where the category of manager is often hollow. Many workers recognize the managerial role as essentially useless, serving as little more than a puppet to shield the interests of the capitalist owners.

In conclusion, the evolution of managers is a fascinating journey through the adaptive strategies of capitalism. From its early days as a response to socialist threats to its transformation into a shield against worker anger, the role of managers mirrors the ever-changing landscape of capitalist survival tactics. As we navigate the intricacies of contemporary corporate strategies, one thing remains clear: until the fundamental relationship between the ruling class and the working class changes, real freedom remains elusive.