The Apprentice presents a completely false depiction of the business world and encourages its candidates to be “morally bankrtupt”, says Professor Martin Parker of the University of Leicester’s School of Management.
Professor Parker has issued a challenge to Lord Alan Sugar to explain how the “sociopathic” behaviour shown by candidates on The Apprentice would be useful in business. “The Apprentice presents the idea that you have to be sociopathic in your relations with others in order to succeed in business,” says Professor Parker. “This is evident in the kind of things the candidates say about themselves. Apparently, you have to say things like, ‘I would sell my own grandmother for a bag of chips’ in order to do well in business. It actually encourages people to behave in ways that are morally bankrupt and reprehensible. Professor Parker blasts the arrogance and self belief portrayed in The Apprentice, which he believes is damaging to those taking park. “Either they really believe these things they are saying about themselves, or they think this is how they’re supposed to act because they see it on television.”
Lord Sugar
Professor Parker is also critical of Lord Sugar’s TV persona: “Alan Sugar comes across as a Victorian melodrama version of a chief executive. I don’t, for a second, think that he could have got to where he is by acting like this. I would like Alan Sugar to explain just how the behaviour he expects of his candidates is useful in the business that he runs.” The academic is also concerned that The Apprentice may be adversely affecting students’ impressions and expectations of the business world. “The Apprentice may be affecting the expectations of undergraduates in terms of how they are supposed to behave once they are in the world of work,” explains Professor Parker. “The values presented in the show are precisely not the message we want to be sending out to our students.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.