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On the Psychology of Military Incompetence (Pimlico)
 
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On the Psychology of Military Incompetence (Pimlico) (Paperback)

by Norman F. Dixon (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
RRP: £12.99
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Product Description
This text surveys 100 years of military inefficiency from the Crimean War, through the Boer conflict, to the disastrous campaigns of the First World War and the calamities of the Second. It examines the social psychology of military organizations, provides case studies of individual commanders and indentifies an alarming pattern in the causes of military disaster. Previous titles by the author include "Subliminal Perception: The Nature of a Controversy", "Preconscious Processing" and "Our Own Worst Enemy".

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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Management In The World, 25 Mar 2003
Everyone who manages anyone should be required to read this book. By focussing on the military Dixon has written a book crammed with examples that show the drastic consequences of incompetence.

In management situations it's seldom a matter of life and death (despite the way some bosses act) but the consequences are still there: demotivated, under-utilised, confused and stressed staff.

So if you're the boss and this sounds familiar you should read this book and learn it's lessons.

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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly cogent and convincing., 29 Sep 2004
By A Customer
The author's central hypotheses is that incompetent decision making stems not so much from a lack of technical knowledge or theory, but rather personal inadequacies that prevent someone in a leadship role from making appropriate decisions under pressure,i.e. they freeze up.

Also discussed are the possibities of why such personality types are attracted to those roles involving such high pressure decision making, where the consequences of the wrong decision can be dire.

Unlike a lot of 'psychology' books, the author presents a critcal and convincing chain of reasoning to support his hypotheses.

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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Read" for anyone working in an hierarchy., 12 April 2002
By A Customer
I was lent this book by a retired friend who had risen to a high level in the RAF. He told me that it had been required reading at Staff College.

As soon as I finished it I immediately bought my own copy (from Amazon!) and tried to persuade as many of my work colleagues as possible to read it.

It is a study of the authoritarian character and its need to rise in an hierachy. A rise that is usually totally unwarranted. Just to limit this to a military context is to miss the chief benefit of the book. It should be required reading in every management school.

It also has the advantage of being a very entertaining book (despite the title).

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing and insightful - a must read
This book contains some superb information regarding the personality types behind military success and failure, along with considerable evidence and anecdotal support. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2007 by The Cheerful Teacher

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential even for civilians
Dixon's work extends far beyond the realm of the military. It's a wonderful guide to the psychology of organisations and projects of all kinds, especially those where objective... Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2003 by ItsNotMe

5.0 out of 5 stars A worth while read
The more I read, the more it sounded like work? This book is an excellent insight into how we fail under pressure and exhibit stress. A very worthwhile read. Read more
Published on 30 May 2001

5.0 out of 5 stars The best ever explanation of 'military intelligence'
This book is entertaining, written clearly in a flowing style, and it should be required reading for all military officers! Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2001

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly readable accounts of British military blunders.
The book starts by charting some notable examples of military incompetence by senior British commanders, leading to the deaths of thousands of people. Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2000

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