The New School News

With an Eye to the Past: A Research Radio Podcast

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Nidhi Srinivas looks at history differently. As an associate professor of nonprofit management at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy, he focuses on methods of organizing and management from a historical perspective. Srinivas sees the past as up for grabs, which means that commonly accepted narratives should be re-examined. The idea is to look backward in order to move forward.

“We need to start asking more—and different—questions,” says Srinivas. “Instead of asking, ‘How do we get work done?’ we need to shift our focus and ask, ‘Is this the work we should get done?’”

In The New School’s latest Research Radio podcast, “Rethinking Occupy,” Srinivas examines the Occupy Wall Street movement through this unconventional lens. He posits that organizations can look at past failed management strategies to modify their current strategies and structure. Using this framework, Srinivas argues against the notion that an MBA offers the best management skills for every situation, and advocates instead for using historical analysis to guide management.

“Management comes in many forms, not just the ones we have been accustomed to recognizing,” said Srinivas. “The handling of cattle and of household chores are also examples of management.”

Srinivas’ own involvement in the Occupy movement provided ample opportunity for study of what he calls “alternative paths in history.” Although he was excited at first about the movement’s philosophy, he is critical of its lack of clear mission and defined objectives. Srinivas’ advice for remaining members of Occupy: Seek out historical models, such as the organizational practices of the Quakers, and establish realistic goals.

Histories aren’t the only type of books Srinivas recommends to his students. “In a lot of ways, our history has imitated science fiction,” says Srinivas. “The best thing we can do for ourselves is to learn how to think differently, reflect upon history so we can be critical, and in the end, emancipate ourselves from preconceptions.”  What sci-fi novel does Srinivas recommend? He’s quick to respond with a resounding endorsement of Blade Runner.

Research Radio is a New School podcast series that tells stories of academic inquiry at the university. From sustainability to psychology to politics, our faculty and students have been researching pressing social and scientific issues for nearly a century–and now you can listen to their latest findings. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.