In this article, the author suggests the use of a professional/client metaphor for conceptualizing the relationship of professors and students. The framework suggested by the use of this metaphor provides a useful and explicit alternative to the problematic student-as-customer metaphor. The advantages of invoking this metaphor are illustrated by discussing the professional/client relationship in general and by discussing four specific cases of professional/client relationships. Suggestions are provided for inculcating a professional/client atmosphere in the classroom.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Argyris, C.
(1970).Intervention theory and method. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
2.
Argyris, C.
(1997). Learning and teaching: A theory of action perspective. Journal of Management Education, 21, 9-26.
3.
Bilimoria, D.
(1997). Management educators: In danger of becoming pedestrians on the information superhighway. Journal of Management Education, 21, 232-243.
4.
Brandenburger, A. M.
, & Nalebuff, B. J. (1996). Co-opetition. New York: Currency Doubleday.
5.
Franz, R. S.
(1998). Whatever you do, don’t treat your students like customers. Journal of Management Education, 22, 63-69.
6.
Freidson, E.
(1994). Professionalism reborn: Theory, prophecy, and policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
7.
Harvey, C.
(1998). Putting self-management into the classroom: One person’s journey. Journal of Management Education, 22, 408-415.
8.
Larsen, E.
(1998). Feedback: Multiple purposes for management classrooms. Journal of Management Education, 22, 49-62.
9.
Larson, M. S.
(1977). The rise of professionalism. Berkeley: University of California Press.
10.
Payette, A.
(1993). To teach experience!Journal of Management Education, 17, 440-453.
11.
Ramsey, V. J.
, & Couch, P. D. (1994). Beyond self-directed learning: A partnership model of teaching and learning. Journal of Management Education, 18, 139-161.
12.
Sacks, P.
(1996). Generation X goes to college. Chicago: Open Court Publishing.
13.
Smither, R. D.
, Houston, J. M., & McIntire, S. D. (1996). Organizational development: Strategies for changing environments. New York: HarperCollins.