Description
Book SynopsisIf the defining goal of modern-day business can be isolated to just one item, it would be the search for competitive advantage. And, as everyone in business knows, it''s a lot harder than it used to be. On the one hand, competition is more intense than ever--technological innovation, consumer expectations, government deregulation, all combine to create more opportunities for new competitors to change the basic rules of the game. On the other hand, most of the old reliable sources of competitive advantage are drying up: the hallowed strategies employed by GM, IBM, and AT&T to maintain their seemingly unassailable positions of dominance in the 1960s and 70s are as obsolete as the calvary charge. So in this volatile, unstable environment, where can competitive advantage be found? As David Nadler and Michael Tushman show, the last remaining source of truly sustainable competitive advantage lies in `organizational capabilities'': the unique ways each organization structures its work and mot
Trade Review"Nadler and Tushman's central argument, that 'Competing by Design' is now the most reliable source of corporate advantage, is totally persuasive. They proceed to offer, by example as well as precept, the most comprehensive and sensible guide available on the art and science of organization design. This book is grounded on careful research and should be essential reading for all general managers."--Paul Lawrence, Donham Professor, Emeritus, Harvard Business School "In this fast-moving marketplace, change is not only required for continued prosperity; it's also very hard work. This book offers both thoughtful insights and explicit ideas about how to go about making constructive changes. It's easy to read, packed with information and filled with useful examples. It's a must read.--Henry Schacht, Chairman and Chief Executive officer, Lucent Technologies, Inc. "Working with David Nadler for 17 years, I've learned that there is a systematic way to look at our problems and a way to organize structure, people and culture to implement competitive strategies for success. Those principles are concisely described in this book, complete with real world examples."--William F. Buehler, Executive Vice President, Xerox Corp. "Your only sustainable advantage today may be your organizational capabilities: the ways you organize work and motivate your work force to meet strategic objectives. Competing by Design shows you how to maximize these competitive strengths by redesigning your firm."--Soundveiw Executive Book Summaries
