Pick on a way to beat the bullies 4

All too often managers in higher education are not willing, or possibly not able, to engage in the level of intellectual debate with academic staff that is necessary to make sensible decisions. When the resulting ill-conceived policies and systems meet with protest from academics then these same managers frequently resort to bullying.

Is it any wonder that many of us have become cynical? ("Managers seek cure for staff cynicism", September 16).

Richard Kirkwood
Senior lecturer
London Metropolitan University