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Organizations Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

A Brief History of Christian Worship

Published in Paperback by Abingdon Press (1993-01)

Author: James F. White

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Excellent Introduction

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-29

This book really does fill a void in the market. Most books on the history of Christian worship are excessively simple or excessively complex. Occasionally an educated lay person will ask me for a book that they can understand (without a divinity degree) but that goes beyond the simple "altar guild" books one might use as an absolute introduction. I am very pleased that Professor White is able to maintain the middle ground.

A Very different analysis of worship history - excellent

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-28

White does an excellent job tracking several spiritual themes through the various Christian epochs. He compares things as what was the process of becomming a Christian and other themes that most consider timeless, but instead shows the changing in what was considered normative from the early church, patristic period, medieval ages, enlightenment period and modern Christianity. I have read many many books on worship, and this one is definately worth reading and White's analysis is honest, reasonable and very informative.

Simple, Yet Uninhibited

Helpful Votes: 19 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-15

This history book breaks the molds of stereotype. The format is simple: 1) worship of the New Testament Era 2) worship of the early Christian centuries 3) worship of the middle ages 4) worship of the reformation period 5) worship of modern times, and 6) worship of the future.

What causes me to give this book a 5-star rating is its honesty. Most books of this nature try to plug a certain perspective at the risk of almost becoming dishonest. This book simply lays it out. If you become uncomfortable learning that your style of worship is not as universal as you would like, or that your theology hasn't always been central to Christian practice, so be it.

I found myself challenged by the questions I began asking. This is the kind of book I like.

Broken Cisterns

Published in Paperback by Xulon Press (2003-10-23)

Author: Francis Schaffer

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inspired

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-26

The inspired word of God known as the Holy Scriptures is a blueprint for our Christian lives. It doesn't end there, God continues to inspire Christian writers like Francis Schaffer to help us along our wonderful walk with Christ Jesus.

GREAT BOOK

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-27

Recently I had the privaledge to read Broken Cisterns.It's truely an interesting book to read, if you've been there, done that and never could understand why, reading this book can help you mend the broken cistern. You see God will hear and forgive, but we have to forgive ourselves also and the heavenly fathertake hold of us. There's so much to learn from your writing this is only one. I would advise everyone who has the oppertunity to read and dwell on broken cisterns. Looking forward to reading anotherinspirational book given to you from our heavenly father.
A SISTER IN CHRIST

Is the Church building "broken cisterns" that have no power?

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-30

Is the Church today a fountain of living waters full of power or a broken cistern in need of a radical change? Francis Schaffer brings a prophetic call to the Church taken from Jeremiah 2:13. The Church has made the same mistake as ancient Israel by building religious cisterns that have no power. A return to God, the "fountain of living waters"is desperately needed in the Church today! This book will open the blind eyes to see God is calling the Church to a radical change that will bring God's unlimited power forth. This book is a must read!

Brownsville, Brooklyn: Blacks, Jews, and the Changing Face of the Ghetto (Historical Studies of Urban America)

Published in Hardcover by University Of Chicago Press (2002-02-15)

Author: Wendell E. Pritchett

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Formidable book about cities and race relationships

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-07

Don't be fooled by the first part of the title; for this book is really about Blacks, Jews, and the Changing Face of the Ghetto. Pritchett studies Brownsville in details, but never forgets to see the bigger picture, which should be of interest for any historian or social scientist. Pritchett is very good at giving you the facts, the analysis and the feelings as well. This book is not just about a ghetto in Brooklyn, it is indeed about urban change and inequality.

Intersting, thoughtful and highly accurate

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-25

As someone who lived not far from Brownsville in the 1950s and early '60s, I can say this is an exceptionally accurate book. It is well-written and is the best attempt I've seen yet at explaining the phenomenon of the changing urban neighborhood. Not only does Pritchett provide many well-reserached, well-thought-out answers but, just as important, he raises insightful, penetrating questions. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American urban history, particularly as it relates to New York City.

A fascinating case study of one changing neighborhood

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-01

New Yorkers see constant small changes in their city, and the cumulative effect of those changes can remake the character and composition of a neighborhood almost overnight. That is what happened in Brownsville during the late 1950s and early 1960s. What had been an entirely Jewish neighborhood of sidewalk synagogues and old-world customs became an entirely black and Latino neighborhood. Pritchett captures that period of change and the various players -- community activists, business interests, government agencies and politicians -- masterfully. He tells a poignant story of idealistic neighborhood leaders who fought for integrated public housing to meet the needs of their community and were instead given massive projects built to house the city's poor who had been displaced by urban renewal. This is a great book for anyone interested in New York or urban history generally.

Building a Values-Driven Organization: A Whole System Approach to Cultural Transformation

Published in Paperback by Butterworth-Heinemann (2006-03-15)

Author: Richard Barrett

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Book Review

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-26

Richard Barrett again does an outstanding job of clearly stating his main points, then building on them with facts and good examples. He is able to expertly blend some of the key principles of other authors -- Ken Wilbur and Don Beck -- with some of his material. The text provides some excellent evaluation tools, both for individuals and organizations. He references a number of websites for additional clarity of some of his points. He has an excellent reference list at the end of the book. Anyone who is looking at leadership and organizational values/vision/mission will do well to read this timely book.

Harry Owens, Jr., MD, MIM

Powerful model to measure & build organizational culture

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-20

Richard does another excellent job describing the seven levels of consciousness model and how this framework can be used to effectively measure an organization's culture. This process provides a values-based approach within a whole system perspective. Regardless of the status of an organziation's cultural health, this whole system approach provides the opportunity to integrate where an organization is (its current strengths, opportunities, systems and resources) and provides a map to get to where the organization wants to be. A great book that helps make sense of the complexity of organizational culture and how to improve it. Nice work!

Barrett on Values

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-11

Many of us read Richard Barrett's best-selling book, Liberating the Corporate Soul, and admired his visionary and soul nurturing approaches to building sustainable and enduring organisations. Now he has given birth to another major leap forward in how to develop and sustain values-based organisations. In this new book, Richard demonstrates again his genius at delivering clear conceptual and experience-based thinking on organisation culture as a new frontier of competitive advantage. Building on his experience in carrying out over 600 cultural values assessments in 35 countries, he shows how to build full-spectrum consciousness in leaders and organizations and how to carry out whole-system change to meet the challenges of accelerating change, deepening complexity and growing systemic risks.
George Starcher, President, European Baha'i Business Forum

Built to Learn: The Inside Story of How Rockwell Collins Became a True Learning Organization

Published in Hardcover by AMACOM (2003-05-05)

Authors: Cliff Purington, Chris Butler, and Sarah Fister Gale

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Leader's Guide To Transform An Enterprise For Learning

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-28

Purington & Butler do an outstanding job of providing a systematic approach to managing positive change in training & development. The book is full of very specific & useful recommendations to upgrade an organization's culture cost effectively and gain competitive advantage in its ability to learn quickly. It shares many examples of what worked well along with a few examples of flexibility with plans that needed to be changed. The only negative to the book ... and it is only a minor negative is that it sometimes repeated some of the examples. If you are in a training department, are in a position to influence or approve a training department's strategies or are selling & marketing to the training & development market ... this is a must read!!

The next "bible" for Training Professionals

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-01

Purington and Butler have succeeded by detailing how to implement the strategy they so clearly recommend in the book. The book sets forth in an orderly and easily understood manner the steps that will greatly improve any training department. If there is any one book that will pull it all together for the training professional, this is the one. A must read book.

Training Professionals Take Note

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-17

This book provides a step by step process to make any training department successful. The book is written in easy to understand language with detailed success strategy for creating the ideal learning organization. Most training books fail to inform the reader how to execute the strategy they are recommending. Purington and Butler have done a masterful job putting the detail in the puzzle. Outstanding and a must read book for all training professionals!

Burning Rage of a Dying Planet: Speaking for the Earth Liberation Front

Published in Paperback by Lantern Books (2004-09)

Author: Craig Rosebraugh

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A sharply worded yet highly literate manifesto

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-13

Written by a spokesperson for the Earth Liberation Front from its inception in 1997 to September 2001, Burning Rage Of A Dying Planet: Speaking For The Earth Liberation Front presents the viewpoint of an organization that uses economic sabotage to inflict financial losses on individuals, corporations and governments that, in the ELF's view, place monetary wealth ahead of the natural environment. In February 2002, the FBI declared the ELF to be the largest and most active US-based terrorist group, even though ELF's operations have never claimed a single human life. Burning Rage Of A Dying Planet describes the ELF's history and ideology, scrutinizes the the short and long-term benefits and drawbacks of using violence, and presents a vision of the future of the environmental movement - as well as an American democracy increasingly threatened by the so-called Patriot Act. A sharply worded yet highly literate manifesto, and a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand the ELF's point of view - whether out of sympathy for its goals or antipathy toward its means.

"Too much has been lost ..."

Helpful Votes: 18 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-24

After reading about the case of Jeff 'Free' Luers, sentenced to 22 years and 8 months in prison for torching 3 SUVs, I decided to research more about The Earth Liberation Front--also known as ELF--and found "Burning Rage of a Dying Planet: Speaking for the Earth Liberation Front" by Craig Rosebraugh. While Luers denies any connection with ELF, the severity of his sentence is a reflection of the increasingly stiff jail terms being handed out for sabotage events termed "eco-terrorism."

Author Craig Rosebraugh served as the media spokesperson for ELF from the first action in 1997 until his resignation in 2001. He charts his life as an activist, and during the first Iraqi war, Rosebraugh quickly found his social attitudes shifting and developing. He became a member of People for Animal Rights, but parted ways with this group when they refused to support the actions of ALF (Animal Liberation Front). Rosebraugh decided he "would philosophically support illegal activity such as civil disobedience and property destruction as long as it was nonviolent." Gradually, Rosebraugh shifted from his single focus on animal rights and embraced a broader based philosophy that addresses various social and political issues. As a founding member of the Liberation Collective, he was recognized as a prominent activist in the Portland area.

In 1997, Rosebraugh began to receive anonymous 'communiques' from individuals announcing various acts of sabotage conducted in the name of the Earth Liberation Front. ELF is an underground movement--composed of individual cells--with no hierarchy, no leadership, and no membership. The Earth Liberation Front basically embraces a radical philosophy that includes the idea that activists have tried 'normal' channels for social change in the environment (petitions, demonstrations, court, etc,) but since those legal channels have failed, and a state of emergency exists with the planet's entire future at risk, individuals take matters into their own hands with sabotage actions committed according to one's conscience. Targeting urban sprawl, animal experimentation, animal cruelty, genetically modified crops, and various instances of anti-environmental travesties (such as gas-guzzling behemoth vehicles, logging of old growth trees, and road building in previous unroaded areas) individual activists conduct acts of sabotage against the property of those they hold responsible for crimes against the environment.

Rosebraugh charts the acts committed in the name of ELF, brushes with law enforcement personnel, numerous encounters with the FBI, and a series of Grand Jury subpoenas. Copies of many of the anonymous ELF communiques are included in the book--along with the ELF guidelines for Direct Action. The book also details efforts of various politicians to crack down on ELF activity (particularly since 9/11), the introduction of the Juvenile Justice Bill, and the amendment of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) to include "Animal Enterprise Terrorism and Ecoterrorists." Since the underground group's first acknowledged action in 1997, approximately $100 million dollars of damage has been wreaked against those targeted by ELF as enemies of the environment, and the group is considered to be the "number one domestic terrorist threat" in the U.S.

"Burning Rage of a Dying Planet" is primarily an account of Rosebraugh's involvement with the ELF as a spokesperson, but it's also a remarkably well-written account of Rosebraugh's development as an activist and as a human being. The book is not a political rant, and while Rosebraugh makes no apologies for his strong political opinions, his complex beliefs are laid out lucidly, sincerely, and with striking humility. "Burning Rage of a Dying Planet" is a gripping read, and anyone interested in environmental issues or in the radical actions of ELF should find it extremely interesting. Frankly--and surprisingly--this is one of the best non-fiction books I've read this year--displacedhuman

What you won't learn on Fox TV News!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-15

Author Craig Rosebraugh was spokesperson for the ELF from 1997 until a few days before 9/11 and recounts his experiences reporting on their activities while being continually harassed by the authorities. Branded as a terrorist organization, the ELF was the focus on several grand jury investigations and the author recounts his many adventures avoiding subpoenas and taking the fifth while under constant threat of prosecution. The extent of ELF activities during this time and since 9/11 surprised me, as we read little about them in the national press and we hear even less of their motives and aims. In addition to being a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the radical environmental movement, it raises some important social questions.

Business and Professional Communication for the 21st Century

Published in Paperback by Allyn & Bacon (1997-11-05)

Authors: Deborah Roach Gaut and Eileen M. Perrigo

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Excellent reference for both students and professionals!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-05

As a student, I used this book for a class and continue to use it every day as a reference tool as a professional. The authors provide thorough insight backed by years of professional experience. I would stongly suggest this book to any individual looking to enhance their professional skills/appearance prior to or upon entering the workforce, and professors in business management and/or communication arts.

Excellent business communicat. text relevent to 21st Century

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1998-02-01

Book is divided into four easy-to-read sections: relational life, work life, public life, and techno-life. Addresses such topics as listening, communication styles, workplace diversity, leadership, business etiquette, public speaking, stress and conflict, and computer technology. Handy reference for every day use. Toolboxes in each chapter provide self-analysis check list on various business communication topics. I highly recommend it for classroom, business, and for personal use.

A Singular Single-Source

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-29

Here is one of the best of the hundreds of books which cover most (if not all) of the same subjects in a single volume. The authors of this one combine a textbook (without pedantry) with a manual (without condescension). Their material is organized in a series of "Units":

1. Overture [eg "The Communication Process"]

2. Managing Relationship Life in the Workplace [eg "The Art of Listening"]

3. Managing Work Life in the Workplace [eg "Managing Stress and Conflict"]

4. Managing Public Life in the Workplace [eg "Establishing Your Presentation Goals"]

5. Managing Techno-Life in the Workplace [eg "Three Tips for Managing Techno-Life Competencies"]

As these "Unit" titles correctly suggest, the authors provide both a system and a process to increase business and professional communication skills. They include a wealth of specific suggestions as well as real-world examples which suggest HOW to derive the greatest benefit, both from the system and the process. For whom will this book be most valuable? For experienced executives, it offers basic but useful reminders of what they probably know already (at least untuitively) or what they have learned empirically; for less-experienced executives, it offers what may well be new ideas, strategies, and tactics which can help to accelerate their career development.

The Business Coaching Toolkit: Top 10 Strategies for Solving the Toughest Dilemmas Facing Organizations

Published in Hardcover by Wiley (2007-11-02)

Authors: Stephen G. Fairley and William Zipp

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Bill Zipp practices what he preaches

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-24

This book review is written from a different perspective. I am not a professional business coach, but I have benefited from Bill Zipp's coaching and mentoring for several years. If he writes like he coaches this book should be 10 stars.

As I have surveyed 'The Business Coaching Toolkit' I recognized several themes that Bill encouraged me to consider, the one percent solution, the sixth suitcase, SMART goals and the new twist on SWOT. But, more importantly, is that he walked me through each of the exercises and assignment with a combination of competence and care. The process enriched my life and enhance my effectiveness as a leader. He wasn't able to change my weaknesses into strength, but he was able to help me identify areas that need attention and then gave me some tools to do my best.

I recommend this book because I recommend the author.

Charles David Kelley
President
Bridge Builders International

The Business Coaching Toolkit

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01

As an experienced business coach (eighteen years), I resonated with many of the observations and descriptions. I also picked up some excellent tips (the closure letter for one) and have done a fair amount of reflection on my own coaching practice while reading. That's a lot of value to receive from one book!

A straightforward book about business coaching that covers the tools necessary to do one's job: people skills and biz strategy.

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-09

This was a very good book. It was written well and an easy read. It is written for business coaches who will benefit from having different problem solving techniques presented to them. Some of what is covered has to do with how to effectively use people skills to help the people being coached. While other things covered had to do with what solutions to recommend when coaching. The book had 11 chapters as follows:

0. Introduction: The evolution of personal coaching
1. Developing a leadership vision (It's not what you think!)
2. The 1% solution
3. Getting things done through others
4. Making goals smart
5. The power of positive praise
6. Making feedback effective
7. A new twist on SWOT
8. The life leadership dashboard
9. The 6th suitcase
10. What color is your team?
11. Using the 10 tools
Appendix: the 10 tools summarized

I'm a SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) volunteer business coach. Just about everything covered in this book directly relates to what I do in my capacity as a SCORE volunteer. I was a very interested reader while turning the pages. And I must say I was not disappointed with what was presented. I won't say I learned anything new. And I don't think there is any rocket science included. But for a seasoned business coach and entrepreneur this book was a fun read for me. 5 stars!

The Business Owner's Guide to Personal Finance

Published in Hardcover by Bloomberg Press (2002-01-15)

Author: Jill Andresky Fraser

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When a business is your paycheck, you need Personal Finance

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-23

Jill Fraser saw a hole in the market and she filled it. There are endless numbers of personal finance guides for people who work for someone. Likewise, there are numerous books on corporate finance issues. However, the high volume of calls Jill fielded at Inc. Magazine, reinforced her awareness that there were no guides to specifically help business owners with their personal finances. Jill Andresky Fraser, Inc. Magazine's well-known and respected finace editor, wrote this book as a personal finance blueprint for entrepreneurs.

As they pursue their american dream, many entrepreneurs may compromise the financial well-being of their families. We've all heard not to put all your eggs in one basket, but its hard for business owners not to do that. Half-a-million men and women start businesses each year, adding to the ranks of 15-20 million who already operate their own companies across the U.S. Yet only about half of these small businesses will survive for four years or longer.

Business owners receive pressure to put their company first, but Jill says "NO," you have to find a middle ground to value your family's goals and family's security and safety as you get your company running. She says that without ever bothering to articulate it; most business owners have a personal finance strategy that boils down to two words: my company. They often neglect to create a back-up strategy or safety net to safe guard their family's well-being. Entrepreneurs may not want to deal with the "mundane" but vital issue of "building a firewall" between one's personal and business finances until the business is solvent, goes public... or until it's too late financially! Fraser provides conservative strategies for coping with problems such as cash flow crises, extensive credit card debt, and the lack of family retirement and savings plans. She says to be sure you're always taking baby steps to protect yourself.

The self-compensation strategy is a tough one. Jill Fraser suggests the following strategy:

* As early as possible - ideally before the company ever begins operations, but if not then, soon figure out a minimum salary that makes sense for you.

* Do some family bonding about the self-compensation dilemma. You'll win emtotional support thatwill strengthen you during tough early days.

* Remember, this is temporary. Take a long-term view.

* Examine your self-compensation progress every six months during this early stage.

* When you're absolutely certain that there is no way your start-up can support even a tiny, token salary for you, reexamine this issue at the end of your operating quarter. Set a goal to pay yourself something as soon as it becomes feasible.

Franchise owners can also benefit from this book. They are given a blueprint for running the business side of the company, but there is no guarantee that personal goals will be addressed.

Mary Ann Campbell, CFP - MoneyMagic.com

Terrific guidance

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-10

Jill Andresky Fraser has done small business owners a tremendous service with this book. It's full of terrific advice on how to build a firewall between your personal and business finances, survive a cash flow crisis, and execute a smooth exit from your business (by choice or by necessity). The insights from successful entrepreneurs are also quite interesting. Highly recommended for all business owners; small, medium, or large!

Well Designed, Valuable Resource for Entrepreneurs

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-09

The success of any business rests in the checkbook. If the cash flow isn't there, if the revenue isn't there, the business probably won't be there. Entrepreneurs, especially in start-up mode, are concerned about sales, cash flow, and profit---on the business side of the ledger. All that is important, but if the owner doesn't take care of the personal side as well, success will be shallow, fragile, and fleeting.

Here's a book that gives you more answers than you want to hear. If you're an entrepreneur (own your own business), you may be in stage 1 (start-up and early days), stage 2 (stable and on a clear path to profitability) or stage 3 (profitable, stable cash flow, mature). In each phase, you have personal financial issues as well as corporate finance issues to address. You'll have a lot of questions looking for answers.

What better expert to counsel you than the researcher and journalist who gained so much popularity as finance editor of Inc. Magazine and editor at Bloomberg Personal Finance. She's been a writer at Forbes, the New York Times, and the Wall Street columnist for the New York Observer. As you can imagine, Jill Fraser knows her topic well. She presents a tremendous amount of highly valuable information and advice in succinct doses that always seem to be just the right length. Reading this book is like sitting in that comfortable chair in your living room chatting with a knowledgeable friend.

Want more? Fraser has brought a dozen well-known successful entrepreneurs to the party. They share their perspectives throughout the book, in focused commentary at the end of each section. I was impressed with the thoroughness of this book.

Want more? How about an eight page index in the back of the book and a full-page index of hot topics in the front of the book? As you turn the pages, you'll find more little surprises as the author keeps delivering even more than you expect. I'd recommend this book for every business owner, regardless of your stage of development . . . as well as for people who are contemplating going into business for themselves. Wish I'd had this book twenty years ago!

Business Without Boundaries: An Action Framework for Collaborating Across Time, Distance, Organization, and Culture (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

Published in Hardcover by Jossey-Bass (2004-10-07)

Authors: Don Mankin and Susan G. Cohen

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HOW TO MAKE COMPLEX COLLABORATION WORK.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-04

Business is conducted across all types of boundaries through collaborative strategies and arrangements. These collaborative enterprises can be extremely complex. This book explores what these collaborations look like, the challenges they face, and how to make them work. Based on analysis of three case studies, the authors present an action framework to guide executives in building such collaborations. The challenge is to manage complexity so that it enhances and energizes the collaboration instead of destroying it. Success hinges upon the people and the nature and quality of their interrelationships and interactions, the key to which is structure: well-defined roles, expectations, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and the like. Structure offers a zone of stability within which complex collaborations can develop and successfully function. Three-quarters of the book presents and analyzes the cases, offing many insights. The action framework is formally presented in the last two chapters.

An excellent, action-packed advice guide

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-05

There are plenty of general management advise titles on the market today, but a few stand out from the crowd as specific guides for working establishments - and Don Mankin and Susan G. Cohen's Business Without Boundaries: An Action Framework For Collaborating Across Time, Distance, Organization, And Culture is one of them. With more and more business being conducted virtually, mechanisms for collaborative success in virtual e-business and corporate environments becomes all the more important: that's where Business Without Boundaries comes in, helping managers with real-world examples and principles for successful virtual collaboration. An excellent, action-packed advice guide.

Whether you think you can or think you can't....

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-08

Let's begin with the assumption that many (if not most but certainly not all) limits are self-imposed. Then let us assume that it is in any organization's best interests to eliminate all limits to effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration. If you accept these two assumptions, then you will share my high regard for this volume in which Mankin and Cohen offer a cohesive, comprehensive, and cost-effective four-phase "action framework" to achieve "collaboration [as well as communication and cooperation] across time, distance, organization, and culture." To their credit, they concentrate almost entirely on explaining HOW to apply basic principles, citing benchmark examples which include the John Deere Construction & Forestry Technology Program, Radica Games Group, and Solectron Corporation.

Obviously, all organizations have boundaries and many of them are essential to achieving success. For example, non-negotiable values to which everyone involved is held accountable. Without appropriate behavior, there would be chaos. Also, there are limits on available resources which means that priorities must be set and then served. No organization can afford to be everything to everyone associated with it. Boundaries are inevitable. That said, Mankin and Cohen assert -- and I wholly agree -- that there is an interdependence of structure and relationships which can enable any organization (regardless of size or nature) to collaborate effectively, and do so "across time, distance, organization, and culture." The core concept of this book is a metaprinciple which is explained in Chapter One. With exquisite care, Mankin and Cohen use an especially apt metaphor -- jazz -- to illustrate how the metaprinciple provides the "theme" and the action framework (please see pages 5-8 and Chapters Seven and Eight) provides the "score." Extending the metaphor, Mankin and Cohen urge their reader to use the theme to improvise on the framework and create collaboration within her or his own organization and such efforts will "transcend all boundaries to produce deeply fulfilling performances."

Not all of those who read this book will be willing and able to make and then sustain the commitment required. It may be helpful to recall Henry Ford's assertion that, whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.

If you share my high regard for this book , please check out Arthur Rubinfeld and Collins Hemingway's Built for Growth: Expanding Your Business Around the Corner or Across the Globe, W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne's Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant, Constantinos C. Markides' Fast Second: How Smart Companies Bypass Radical Innovation to Enter and Dominate New Markets, and Seeing What's Next: Using Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change co-authored by Clayton M. Christensen, Erik A. Roth, and Scott D. Anthony.