A full collection of more than 80 of Russell Ackoff's management f-laws: the uncomfortable truths about how organizations really work, what's wrong with the way we design and manage businesses, what makes managers tick... and how we can make things work better. Russell Ackoff is one of the world's top business brains. Herbert Addison has worked for years in business book publishing. Sally Bibb is a pioneer of organizational change. Who better to zero in on organizations, take them apart and then suggest ways of putting them back together - but better?
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"Reading Russell Ackoff's slim new volume, Management f-Laws (with Herbert Addison and Sally Bibb, Triarchy Press), is like being pricked by a series of delayed electric shocks. At first glance and on their own, the book's 81 short aphorisms, paradoxes and put-downs seems nothing special. The first shock comes as the implication sinks in, followed by a chain-reaction of secondary ones as the first implication interacts with subsequent ones, until shocks are going off all over and you are left in no doubt that you are in the presence of one of the profoundest and wittiest brains ever to engage with the bizarre human activity called management." Simon Caulkin ~ The Observer "If you ever need a reality check after stumbling out of some appalling management meeting, or just need cheering up on a long business trip, this is the book for you. Just about every myth or pompous delusion about management gets punctured in the course of 160 feisty pages." Stefan Stern ~ The Daily Telegraph Skim it, if you like, and raise the odd wry smile of rueful recognition. Or undergo a self-examination course. Take each f-Law in turn and ask yourself how it applies to you, to your role in the organisation and to your organisation as a whole. Do it seriously and you might learn a lot. But the book might be best used as the basis for a serious conversation with colleagues. There is truth at the heart of all the laws, and it will be best dragged out in discussion, perhaps as one f-Law at a time. Every meeting, someone has suggested, could start with a short f-Law meditation - or might that be too American?
About the Author
Russell L. Ackoff is the Anheuser-Busch Emeritus Professor of Management Science at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He has written numerous books on Systems Management, the most recent of which are "Beating the System", "Re-Designing the Corporation", "Ackoff's Best" and "Idealized Design". A founding member of the Institute of Management Sciences, his work in consulting and education has involved more than 350 corporations and 75 government agencies in the United States and beyond. Management grandee, he was ranked 26 in the most recent list of the world's most influential business thinkers. Herbert J. Addison has worked for some 40 years in academic, educational and business book publishing, including for many years at Oxford University Press. He is the author of the business section in the "New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge" and is a close friend of Russ Ackoff. Sally Bibb is Director, Group Sales Development for the Economist Group. She is based in London with responsibility for Europe, Asia and North America. She has specialised in organization and executive development for 15 years and has a Masters Degree in Organizational Change. Co-author of the award-winning book "Trust Matters - For Organisational and Personal Success", she is series editor for the "Truths about Business" series and author of "The Stone Age Company", the first title in the series.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. Hammond
Format:Paperback
This inciteful, witty and rich book is the result of the collaboration between Russ Ackoff and Sally Bibb. The dialogue across gender, nationality and generations rarely happens and, if this book is anything to go by, should happen more. A fun and easy read as well as a remarkable business aid.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By PeterM
Format:Paperback
Whether you keep it by your bed, your favourite armchair or in your study there is something in this book for anyone interested in leading an organisation.The unusual style makes it an ideal tool for those wishing to freshen up the workplace or simply pause and do a quick self audit. While not being prescriptive the book provides the stimulus for reflection. I dip into it and often end up questioning the way things have been done for a long time and wondering if in fact they are examples of "emperor's new clothes"?
A practical work tool which shouldn't gather dust.
A practical work tool which shouldn't gather dust.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Jon_G
Format:Paperback
This book doesn't exhaust you, at least partly as you are unlikely to read it cover to cover. More likely, you'll dip in and see what you find. It entertains, and yet often challenges as well. The two authors have expressed opinions on different situations; sometimes you won't agree with either, but thats part of the fun, trying to decide what you'd have put on the third page yourself. Enjoy it, it won't get you through an MBA but it'll get you through a few evenings and make you think.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ironic Reading
Someone nicked this from my desk in the office and then brought it back in hysterics, saying things like "This is soooo true! Read more
Published 2 days ago by Mr. Slj Johnson
2.0 out of 5 stars
Given up trying to read it
From the reviews I read I was expecting a really useful new perspective on management, but was extremely disappointed. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Ianski
4.0 out of 5 stars
f-laws is a fun read
Americans usually don't use irony but this book brings out wry smiles and belly laughs almost every page.
Published on 21 Feb 2010 by traderscalm
2.0 out of 5 stars
More of the same
The author seems to excel at republishing the same stuff over and over again and people buy it. Too long a consultant. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2007 by Mr. W. P. Austin
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