Description
Book SynopsisMany of todayâs books on the tools and techniques of leadership and management provide descriptions of long lists for use in decision-making, leading, coaching and project management. This book takes a completely different approach. It contests the claims that the tools and techniques are based on evidence and explains why human activities of leading and managing are simply not amenable to scientific proof and consequently, why long-term futures of organizations are unpredictable.
The book undertakes a critical exploration of just what these tools and techniques are about; showing that while they may lead to competent performance they cannot go further to expert performance because expertise involves going beyond rules and procedures. Ralph Stacey investigates the many questions that are thrown up as a result of this new approach. Questions such as:
- How do we apply this new way of thinking?
- What are the practical tools and techniques it gives us?
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Trade Review
'This book really challenges current thinking on leadership and provides an exciting new perspective on complexity in today’s organizations.'
Jean-Anne Stewart, Director of Corporate MBA Programmes, Henley Business School, UK
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 2. The Theory of Complex Responsive Processes: Understanding Organizations as Patterns of Interaction between People 3. Understanding Organizing Activities as the Game: The Social Background of Leadership and Management Activities 4. The Leadership and Management Tools and Techniques of Instrumental Rationality: Rules and Step by Step Procedures 5. The Limitations of the Tools and Techniques of Instrumental Rationality: Incompatibility with Expert Performance 6. The Leadership and Management Techniques of Disciplinary Power: Surveillance and Normalization 7. Taking the Techniques of Disciplinary Power to the Extreme: Domination and Coercive Persuasion 8. Institutions and the Techniques of Leadership and Management: Habits, Rules and Routines 9. The Leadership and Management ‘Techniques’ of Practical Judgment: Reflexive Inquiry, Improvisation and Political Adroitness 10. Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions Appendix - Reflexive Narrative Inquiry: Movements in my Thinking and how I find Myself Working Differently as a Consequence
