Ackoff's Best: His Classic Writings On Management

Ackoff's Best: His Classic Writings on Management

Russell Ackoff is a very special management thinker. As anarchitect, city planner, doctor of philosophy, behavioralscientist, trailblazer in the fields of organizational, operations,and systems theory, bestselling author, distinguished WhartonSchool professor, and head of his own management education andconsulting firm, he qualifies, as do few others in this century,for the title of "Renaissance Man." Fortunately, he makes up forthis grievous shortcoming by also being an outrageously funnyobserver of homo commercium. Now, Ackoff's Best offers you anopportunity to become acquainted with this irreverent genius who,over the past forty years, has done so much to shape ourunderstanding of the modern business organization.Compiled by the author, Ackoff's Best encapsulates the author'smost controversial, influential, and wittiest work to appear sincethe 1970s. Ackoff's groundbreaking exploration of systems theoryand its effect on business provides the backbone of thiscollection. Also included are his most lasting andthought-provoking writings on an array of topics in business,society, and human behavior that well reflect the sweeping scope ofAckoff's intellect and expertise. From managing teams, maximizingthe effectiveness of information systems, and problem solving, tocreativity, crime, and the role of the corporation in a democraticsociety, these writings are a cornucopia of insights, observations,and powerful lessons that will help you maximize your personaldevelopment and the effectiveness of your organization.An excellent introduction for newcomers to Russell Ackoff, and awelcome compendium of Ackoff's pithiest writings for those alreadyfamiliar with his ideas from such classic works as Creating theCorporate Future and The Art of Problem Solving, Ackoff's Best isrequired reading for every intelligent businessperson."The range, depth, and perspectives of these essays on managementillustrate, once again, Russ Ackoff's unique genius."-WarrenBennis, University Professor, University of Southern California,and Co-author, Co-Leaders"Russ Ackoff uses words that cut through the familiar and opendoors in one's brain."-Arie P. de Geus, Author, The LivingCompany"Ackoff's Best captures the lucid and compelling explorations ofone of the most profound and influential thinkers of our time."-RayStata, Chairman of the Board, Analog Devices"This collection reminds me that I have learned my most valuablelessons from Russ Ackoff."-Vince Barabba, General Manager,Corporate Strategy and Knowledge Development, General MotorsCorporation