The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management
Author: Jerry B. Harvey
List Price: $19.95
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ISBN: 0787902772
Publisher: Jossey-Bass (09 August, 1996)
Sales Rank: 26,072
Average Customer Rating: 4.91 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
Probably the best book available on organizational ethics
When I first read The Abilene Paradox, I hadn't read many business/management books--I preferred fiction. In my job, I've since read dozens of business titles and I have to say few compare in content or writing style to Dr. Harvey's classic. None have the sense of humor, the appreciation of the absurd, that Harvey has. And none have the soul, compassion, and wisdom of Harvey. I hope Dr. Harvey publishes again soon.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Before there was Dilbert, there was the Abilene Paradox
Before Dilbert broke ground focusing attention on the (mis)adventures of people in corporate management and the workplace, Jerry Harvey had used his own brand of southern humor to point out the absolute absurdity of life in the boardroom, the bedroom, and a few places in beteen. The Abilene Paradox is a relatively short and often humerous book, but it is not always easy to read. The book is filled with powerful lessons; many told from the author's unique and highly personal perspective. Jerry Harvey's dry wit bites harder than Dogbert ever could. If you have the courage to draw a line in the sand and stop the proverbial bus from taking a trip no one wants to take, then read the book. If you don't, then read the comics.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Wonderful advice, coming and going
The Abilene Paradox... has been one of my favorite books for many years. Whenever I read it, I find something of value in it for whatever challenges I am facing in my work. Plus, it's just fun to read. The first essay (the actual Abilene Paradox) should be required reading for anyone who wonders why groups do stupid things. And the last essay (on teaching future managers to cheat) should be required reading for anyone who wonders how one simple change could make a huge difference in business education, making it more relevant and more solidly ethically based. Everything in between these two essays is worth, reading, too. Similar Products
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