The symbolism of the communist manager roles: A study of scenarios

This paper examines the dominant scenario of the communist manager's social role, using the metaphor of the theatre. Through an extensive retrospective study, mainly by means of a critical analysis of the press focusing on dominant symbols, or symbols created and transmitted by the political authorities. The scenarios or role scripts consisting of these symbols are first identified and then interpreted. The study focused primarily on Poland, but the observations have a certain relevance also for other ex-communist countries. The aim is to understand how the role developed, and also how it was meant to be received by the "audience" at whom the authorities were directing the symbols. Finally the implications of the performance of managerial roles in the past for the creation of new roles after 1989 are discussed. This historical context of contemporary managerial roles should be taken into consideration by institutions involved in management education in Poland.