Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first full collection of all 122 of Russell Ackoff's f/laws - previously only available in two separate books from Triarchy Press (Management f-Laws and Systems Thinking for Curious Managers.) Each f/law in this full collection is accompanied by Ackoff's own witty and acerbic explanatory text and (in the printed edition) by his original drawings and cartoons. The collection reverts to Ackoff's original typescript without any commentary or other introduction. As Ackoff himself says: "Over time I have become aware of some very important truths about the practice of management. These truths, which I call the 'F/laws of Management', contradict assumptions that are commonly held by managers. These simple management truths are much more important than the fundamental, but complex, truths revealed by scientists, economists, politicians, or philosophers. The truths these wise thinkers reveal are at most frosting on the cake. The truths presented here are the cake." This definitive collection distils Ackoff's wisdom and a lifetime of experience about management, leadership, innovation, teamwork and organizations. It should be required reading for anyone who works in an organization.
Trade ReviewFrom reviews of previous books by Russ Ackoff that included his f/laws; "This book is fun - not something one can often say about a management book. It's also a compact piece of distilled wisdom. - Take each f/law in turn and ask how it applies to you, to your role in the organisation and the organisation as a whole. Do it seriously and you might learn a lot." Charles Handy ~ Management Today; " - 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 ;" - an instructive gem that should be required reading for anyone interested in effective management." Prof. Sheldon Rovin ~ Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania ;"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 - " Stefan Stern ~ Financial Times ;" - profound thoughts in digestible bites... easy to read yet full of wisdom. How much better our organizations would be if managers could learn these lessons!" Prof. Michael C Jackson ~ Hull University Business School. ;"Wit and wisdom in small doses on the deep rooted abuse of hierarchical power. It takes a Russ Ackoff to unveil myths and illusions of this kind." Goran Carstedt ~ Formerly President, Volvo Cars and Ikea Europe
