Critical management studies (CMS) is an interdisciplinary area of scholarship within management and organizational studies that critiques traditional management theories, practices, and systems from a critical perspective. It draws on insights from sociology, anthropology, political economy, philosophy, and other social sciences to analyze power dynamics, inequality, and social justice issues within organizations and society at large.

CMS scholars question dominant assumptions and ideologies in mainstream management theory, challenging concepts such as hierarchy, control, efficiency, and profit maximization. They examine how managerial practices perpetuate or challenge social inequalities based on factors such as gender, race, class, and ethnicity.

Key themes within critical management studies include:

1. Power and Control: CMS scholars analyze how power operates within organizations, looking at hierarchies, decision-making processes, and mechanisms of control. They explore how power relations shape managerial practices and influence the experiences of workers.
2. Identity and Difference: CMS emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity in organizations. Scholars examine how identity categories such as gender, race, and sexuality intersect with organizational structures and practices, shaping experiences of inclusion and exclusion.
3. Sustainability and Ethics: Critical management studies critique the environmental and social impacts of business practices, advocating for sustainable and ethical approaches to management. Scholars explore alternative models of organizing that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and community well-being.
4. Globalization and Neoliberalism: CMS scholars interrogate the effects of globalization and neoliberal policies on organizations and society. They analyze how economic restructuring, deregulation, and privatization shape work conditions, labor relations, and social inequalities on a global scale.

Overall, critical management studies seeks to challenge the status quo in management theory and practice, fostering greater awareness of the social, political, and ethical implications of organizational behavior and decision-making. It aims to contribute to more equitable and sustainable forms of management and governance.