Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes how Canada's organization men and women were educated and trained, and also addresses what people were taught about being a manager in business organizations from 1945 to 1995. A managerial class was created in Canada that shared common educational experiences, although people in this group were stratified according to the positions that they assumed in management hierarchies. Canadian management developed unique characteristics through education and training programs and practices, and they had a significant impact on the education choices and career aspirations of many students. Management education and training programs covered many functions of business organizations, but there were crucial aspects that were not sufficiently taught. Management, managing, and managers are important in Canadian society even if their impact is not always readily identifiable.