Abstract

This introductory chapter contextualises the themes of impact and community from a holistic perspective, with particular—but not exclusive—reference to the experience of the University of Chichester Business School. Taking into account humanistic management principles (von Kimakowitz, About Humanistic Management, 2019), it then provides an overview of the various chapters and trajectory of this book. It argues that size matters, and that small can indeed be beautiful (Schumacher, Small is beautiful: A study of economics as if people mattered, 1973) when it comes to engaging skilfully, relationally, locally and regionally, as well as nationally and internationally, with a range of business school stakeholders. This proposition applies, even given—or perhaps despite—the imperatives of organisational growth.In Part 1 of this chapter, we draw attention to the impact of the introduction of student fees and note the significance of the relationship between universities and their constituent communities in general (Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Universities and Communities. A Report by the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies for the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, 1994). Then we give a context for the University of Chichester Business School within its host university. The overview that follows in Part 2 gives a flavour of the chapters about specific communities and practices within and by which the business school has made an impact, and which have impacted on the business school. It also discusses the various dimensions of size within which they operate, and the importance of flourishing communities of practice (Lave and Wenger, Situated Learning - Legitimate peripheral participation, 1991) is highlighted.