The School of Business Administration at the university of Haifa has been training managers for three decades. Our graduates are positioned in various roles, across disciplines and industries, in local and international firms, to make meaningful impact in business, governmental and non-for-profit organizations. A truly source of pride for us, our students embody the essence of our social and financial contributions to the community, by means of transferring academic knowledge and promoting academia-community collaborations.
Management is a profession. It entails expertise. Assuming a managerial position requires that the individual possesses knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to help them succeed. This set of KSA's is dynamic, and evolves over time as a manager moves up, moves to a different place of work, etc. This means that management, while partly derived for personal characteristics, is also context-dependent. We don't always think of management that way. Often times, we assume that people happened to have been promoted to a managerial position, and that they learn as they go. Like many of my colleagues, researchers and practitioners alike, I challenge this view and call for the adoption of a professional approach to management – 'Do it professionally!'
When I think about the 'ideal' graduate—who we envision as a manager at the end of the training period in our school—I think of an informed manager. A manager who understands the gravity of the responsibility placed on their shoulders. A manager who recognizes the importance of a balanced approach, which emphasizes the well-being of employees alongside financial bottom lines. A balanced approach to management also considers the role of managers and employees within the broader context in which their organization is operating. Thus, an informed manager has the potential to impact the community, society, and the environment.
An informed manager asks questions, doesn’t take things at face value, and isn’t afraid to present alternative views, even when they are unpopular. They are modest, attentive, aware of their own limitations and those of others, and constantly learn.
Dear students, I encourage you to continuously recognize the consequences of your actions and to multiply good in every way possible.
The academic year of 2024-2025 will soon begin, under the heavy shadow of the Iron Swords War, with the horrific events of October 7th still strongly resonating. Despite our efforts to adhere to planned schedules, it is likely that adjustments will be needed along the way. I deeply appreciate our exceptional administrative and academic staff, who work tirelessly to sustain research and teaching activities. All of us – faculty and students – will need to remain flexible to navigate the challenges ahead. Together, I am certain of our ability to weather these uncertain times.
I extend my prayers for the safety of our security forces, the speedy recovery of those wounded physically and emotionally, and the swift return—today—of all our hostages.
Professor Michal Biron
Head, School of Business Administration
