Once upon a time in the bustling world of corporate management, a theory known as agency theory held sway over the hearts and minds of managers and business educators alike. Agency theory was founded on a simple, yet powerful assumption: Humans are inherently self-interested and rational beings who must be controlled and incentivized to align their actions with organizational goals.

Under the reign of agency theory, management practices are designed to harness this assumed self-interest. Compensation systems are built on the premise that employees would only work hard if they were financially rewarded. This led to the creation of complex incentive structures, where bonuses and pay raises are tightly linked to performance metrics.

In business schools, many future leaders are taught the principles of agency theory. They learn that control mechanisms like monitoring, performance appraisals, and detailed procedures are necessary to ensure that employees do not stray from their tasks. This education perpetuates a culture of distrust and control, where managers view their employees as potential shirkers needing constant oversight.

The consequences of this approach have been far-reaching. Electronic surveillance is becoming increasingly........

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