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Managing Knowledge Workers: Unleashing Innovation and Productivity
A. D. Amar Manufacturer: Quorum Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1567204481 |
Book Description
With the emergence of a powerful new breed of organization--the knowledge organization--comes a bold new challenge to the old ways of managing people. Workers with special cutting-edge knowledge and the ability to transform it into marketable goods and services can not be managed the old command-and-control way, nor even by some of the more enlightened ways developed since then. Only new ways, and old ways updated and adapted to special new situations, can work. Only in this way can innovation and productivity--the crucial ingredients for success in knowledge-based organizations--be harnessed. Indeed, it is the capacity to innovate, not the infusion of huge amounts of capital, that is the true predictor of success in these new companies. Just as the baby boomers working in traditional settings differ from those who went before, so do the later generations of X-ers and Y-ers differ from them. Their sociology and psychology are totally different, and Amar shows specifically how and why. The result is an in-depth presentation of whom these knowledge workers are and how to select, adapt, and develop new concepts, principles, strategies, and techniques to achieve the unique successes they are capable of delivering. Amar highlights the difference between these new, knowledge-based organizations and their traditional counterparts. He makes clear with examples, anecdotes, and other illustrative material that the driving force behind them is their ability to innovate. These organizations attract special types of people, and, as Amar points out, they have their own ways of seeing the world and doing things in it. They tend to decry and defy tradition. Amar explores the sociology and psychology of these startling new workers, and provides management with a full bag of tools to interact with them, including ways to redesign work itself as well as the entire organization, plus new ways to approach the commonplace functions of decision-making, leading, motivating, and controlling. He also provides special insights into the modification of behavior, and a means to assess when it can be useful and productive.Customer Reviews:
Organic, Symbiotic Management.......2002-03-04
The assessments presented are unique and thought-provoking.
This book inspired me to rethink and to modify my approach to teaching/learning at the graduate business school level.
Organic, Symbiotic Management.......2002-03-04
The assessments presented are unique and thought-provoking.
This book inspired me to rethink and to modify my approach to teaching/learning at the graduate business school level.
Managing Knowledge Workers.......2002-01-12
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Unleashing Intellectual Capital
Charles Ehin Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0750672463 |
Book Description
Unleashing Intellectual Capital reveals breakthrough principles for structuring Knowledge Age organizations. It helps leaders and knowledge professionals better understand how human nature supports or undermines voluntary workplace collaboration and innovation-vital sources of competitive advantage in business. Integrating the latest insights from diverse scientific disciplines, the book reestablishes some very basic truths about human innate behavior that determine how people best work together and are managed, or in some cases "unmanaged." Using understandable and practical models, Unleashing Intellectual Capital explains human nature and offers readers a comprehensive framework they can use to generate sustained high levels of intellectual capital within their own organizations while at the same time reducing workplace violence.Customer Reviews:
Shared access for building intellectual capital.......2000-08-15
It is increasingly accepted that the only sustainable source of competitive advantage in 'the knowledge economy' is to tap the full creative potential and capacity to learn together of the humans who are the most important asset of any organisation. Yet most organisations continue to behave in ways that directly work against realisation of that potential.
The replacement of the dominant 'machine' metaphor of organisations with an 'organic' metaphor has become commonplace in the literature and its implications for organisation, culture and style of management are clear. But this is not (at least yet) having any dramatic effect on organisational behaviour. Perhaps a different metaphor is not a powerful enough tool to start the process of changed consciousness.
Charles Ehin takes a different approach to a similar end. He goes right back to the genetic and evolutionary foundations of human behaviour and our basic drives. From that he draws out conclusions about the cultural environment - the social capital - that needs to be in place to produce the high levels of collaboration needed for vigorous intellectual capital generation and market responsiveness. In effect he is offering a scientific rather than a metaphorical argument for changed behaviour by organisations. We need to understand our basic human nature so that 'we can narrow the gap between it and the organisational context rather than unknowingly widening it.' Throughout, he uses relevant and engaging examples from his personal experience to illustrate his case.
The fundamental argument rests on two sets of innate human drives: self centred and other centred (cooperative or communitarian). Each of these drives is continually present in all of us. The socio/cultural or organisational environment or context is a major factor in calling forth on or the other set of drives. What he calls 'controlled access' - or hierarchical - organisation triggers the self-centred drives: dependence, compliance, self preservation. What he calls 'shared access' - essentially reliance on self-organisation - triggers the other-centred drives: self-direction, interdependence, commitment, trust. While each set of drives can manifest itself under either style of organisation, the hierarchical form is hostile to the full flowering of the other-centred drives. Further, engagement of the other-centred drives and development self-organisation are interdependent: the development of self-organisation can only proceed through engagement of these drives in a reinforcing loop of development. The loop is driven through nurturing four fundamental interacting competencies:
common purpose (shared values and vision); sense of community (building trust, empathy and compassion); 'line-of-sight relationships' (face to face activities and interactions); visualising wholes (fostering the ability to see wholes and understand and work with whole systems)
Ehin argues that it is precisely these drives and associated competencies that are essential to organisational success in a knowledge economy.
The elements in his case are well illustrated in a series of figures through the book, particularly Fig 2.1 (P. 36), Fig 5.1 (P. 104), and the detailed two-part system chart in Figs 7.1A and 7.1B (Pp. 152-3). I found it useful to copy those charts so that they were in front of me for reference as I read the text.
The book is a valuable addition to the literature on the learning organisation ( Senge et al. The Dance of Change), on management under complexity (eg Lewin: The Soul at Work), on working with whole systems (eg Pratt et al.: Working Whole Systems) and on knowledge management and innovation (e.g. Leonard- Barton: The Wellsprings of Knowledge). I suspect that a number of readers will be willing to take the argument about human nature on trust, without reading it in depth, but the model and the relationships underpinning it deserve careful attention.
The assault on the hierarchical castle continues, and Ehin has thrown in another battalion, opening one more front. However, the walls remain unbreached. The sad reality is that most hierarchs are hooked on power and the belief that things can only go right if they personally make the decisions. The objective of retaining and expanding personal power often (even if unconsciously) outweighs the objective of achieving commercial success and blinds the hierarch to the fact that the two are often in opposition.
The acceptance of the current geological theory of tectonic plates took 25 years, when all that was at risk was the reputation and knowledge base of the then generation of geology professors. More is at stake in this shift in the way we see our organisational world; we are probably looking at generational change to achieve the shifts that Ehin advocates, but it is never too soon to start.
Nominated for The Best Books Published in 2000 by Management.......2000-04-20
Endorsements for Unleashing Intellectual Capital.......2000-04-07
-David Stauffer, President of Stauffer Bury Inc.
"[A]n absolutely fascinating work which must be read by all contemporary managers. This book not only points the way for future global business evolution, but truly is a 'capstone work' which draws from Dr. Ehin's professsional expertise, and also incorporates all of his life's experiences into an exceptional 'common-sense approach' to the science of management for the new millenium...Personally, I believe that the elements that he sets forth provide an exceptional sound basis to guide all managers well into the future."
-Peter F. Gerity, Vice President for Research, Utah State University
"Charlie Ehin has done us all a great favor. He has clearly demonstrated that in the long run there can be no middle ground between controlled and shared access based organizations. And he has shared with us the precious knowledge that organizations flowing from a shared access foundation are those more likely to succeed in very unpredictable environments. Those who do not see a clear connection between the 'new science' and how human endeavors ought to be 'scientifically' organized should read this book."
-Ned Hamson, Senior Editor, The Journal for Quality and Participation
"In Unleashing Intellectual Capital Dr. Ehin has developed a model that will help create the necessary competitive advantage for companies through intellectual capital generation. He has provided the keys that open the best in an individual, team and a company as a whole. His book is the key to success for all change managers and anyone else interested in prospering in the Knowlege Age."
-Carl Champagne, President and CEO, Data Systems International, Inc.
"Dr. Ehin's Unleashing Intellectual Capital is a rare treasure in the evolution of management theory. Never before have we enjoyed a more comprehensive, integrated framework for managing human assets that incorporates the critical components necessary for success in the new millennium."
-Carol C. Leavitt, Sunstone Partners
"In this day and age of rapid change in both society and scientific endeavor, we all begin to see a convergence of biology, sociology, world economy, computer science, etc. I admire your courage in trying to amalgamate these diverse facets of human-kind and lead the reader to the obvious 'right and good' choice for our society and our enterprise structure."
-Donald F. Summers, M.D., Associate Director, National Cancer Institute
"Finally a book which not only brings back today's complex world of work to a human dimension, but reveals explicitly that in our basic humanness lies a source of incredible potential for building a successful business. A unique and very useful book."
-Frank Heckman, President of Van Ede Heckman, The Netherlands
"Dr. Ehin's Unleashing Intellectual Capital is thought provoking and enlightening. He built a compelling evolutionary argument demonstrating how hierarchical organizational structures stifle human social needs, thereby limiting organizational competitiveness. [Dr. Ehin] opened my eyes as to how an alternative structure, the shared access organization, affords modern organizations to compete in today's complex global society. Anyone planning to be a part of a successful 21st century enterprise should read this book and heed its advice on developing shared access organizations."
-Dr. Vicki R. Whiting, Assistant Professor, Vive and Bill Gore School of Business, Westminster College
"Unleashing Intellectual Capital showcases Dr. Ehin's great breadth of knowledge, passion and intuitive reflection. This book provides the reader with deep personal insight necessary for the development of management theory. Ehin weaves corporate principles with human behavior resulting in a unique model which will bring success to any company in the Knowledge Age."
-Tom Lyons, Senior Advisor, Irish Productivity Center, Ireland
"Most pleasing about this work is the interdisciplinary approach to explaining management. Dr. Ehin's book redistributes the balance of power so that we can all see ourselves as innately-driven, and in search of personal fulfillment. Perhaps organizations will at this point learn, grow and self-organize as the keys to productivity. The argument in Unleashing Intellectual Capital should help us get back to some basic scientific truths about human behavior so that our organizations can all move forward, in a more honest and productive manner."
-Stephen R. Baar, Academic Vice President, Dean of Faculty, Westminster College
"Dr. Ehin, a business professor and leader, weaves corporate principles with molecular biology, to reveal the many obstacles of what is considered 'traditional management.' Morality, reponsibility and understanding are essential to not only the corporate world, but to the planet at large. This book will be an innovative tool for the corporate culture."
-Jerry Kaufman, Attorney At Law, Los Vegas, Nevada
"Dr. Charles Ehin makes a logical and interesting case for understanding human behavior in knowledge organizations by focusing on our biological and evolutionary development. He provides us with another way of building "brain-rich" companies, who are the engines of progress and economic growth in modern society."
-Anu Kaljurand, Managing Director, Baltic Management Conferences, Estonia
"Unleashing Intellectual Capital combines current management theory with important observations about human biology to create an organizational construct based on bio-logic. Professor Ehin brings these theories together with a model for creating a self-organizing learnging organization that will be helpful in building and developing knowledge-age business."
-Carl Lehmann, CEO of RTW, and former President of the Store Value Group of American Express
"Organizations and individuals want a partnership where the individuals can use their ideas and skills and the organization will reward them for their contributions to the success of the business. Dr. Ehin is making a strong case that this movement is founded in recognizing and building on the positive aspects of our human nature. He has clearly explained why this is critical for satisfying the needs of both the business and the individual. A must read for successful companies of the 21st century
MUST READ.......2000-04-07
-Wally Hartman, Executive Vice President of storeBusters.com, Inc.
Unleashing Intellectual Capital.......2000-04-07
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The Employer Brand: Bringing the Best of Brand Management to People at Work
Simon Barrow , and Richard Mosley Manufacturer: Wiley ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0470012730 |
Book Description
Levels of 'employer brand awareness' are rising fast across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, as leading companies realise that skilled, motivated employees are as vital to their commercial success as profitable customers and apply the principles of branding to their own organization. Starting with a review of the pressures which have generated current interest in employer branding, this definitive book goes on to look at the historical roots of brand management and the practical steps necessary to achieve employer brand management success - including the business case, research, positioning, implementation, management and measurement. Case studies of big-name employer brand stories include Tesco, Wal-Mart, British Airways and Prêt a Manger.Download Description
Levels of 'employer brand awareness' are rising fast across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, as leading companies realise that skilled, motivated employees are as vital to their commercial success as profitable customers and apply the principles of branding to their own organization. Starting with a review of the pressures which have generated current interest in employer branding, this definitive book goes on to look at the historical roots of brand management and the practical steps necessary to achieve employer brand management success - including the business case, research, positioning, implementation, management and measurement. Case studies of big-name employer brand stories include Tesco, Wal-Mart, British Airways and Prêt a Manger.
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Seguridad Ciudadana - Cuadernos de Epoca NB: 3
Marcelo Costa , and Victor Ruiz Manufacturer: Ciudad Argentina ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 9875072338 |
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Galaxy Formation and Evolution (Springer Praxis Books / Astronomy and Planetary Sciences)
Hyron Spinrad Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items: ASIN: 3540254986 |
Book Description
The evolution in the form and structure of galaxies which has taken place since the universe was in its infancy is one of the most closely studied by astrophysicists and cosmologists today. It has profound implications for our understanding of how the universe itself has evolved over the past 12 billion years or so. This book will discuss the evolution of galaxies in detail, emphasising the boundaries of our knowledge about the most distant galaxies, but demonstrating how it is possible to make important comparisons between nearby galaxies and the most distant current observed. The author will also review galaxy morphology and its likely (but as yet unproven) history.Customer Reviews:
THE book on galaxies.......2005-10-31
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Globular Cluster Systems (Cambridge Astrophysics)
Keith M. Ashman , and Stephen E. Zepf Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0521550572 |
Book Description
Globular clusters are roughly spherical, densely packed groups of stars found around galaxies. Most globular clusters probably formed at the same time as their host galaxies. Therefore they provide a unique fossil record of the conditions during the formation and early evolution of galaxies. This volume presents a comprehensive review of globular cluster systems. It summarizes their observed properties and shows how these constrain models of the structure of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies and globular clusters, and the age of the Universe. For graduate students and researchers, this timely volume provides the definitive reference on globular cluster systems.Customer Reviews:
Globulars are everywhere.......2001-09-07
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Island Universes (Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings)
R.S. de Jong Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1402055722 |
Product Description
This book contains an up-to-date review of the structure and evolution of disk galaxies from both the observational and theoretical point of view. The book is the proceedings of the ""Island Universes"" conference held at the island of Terschelling, The Netherlands in July 2005, which attracted about 130 experts and students in the field. The conference was organized as a tribute to Dr. Piet C. van der Kruit for receiving the honorary Jacobus C. Kapteyn Professorship in Astronomy. The eight topical themes discussed at the meeting are reflected in these proceedings: 1) Properties of Stellar Disks, 2) Kinematics and Dynamics of Disk Galaxies, 3) Bars, Spiral Structure, and Secular Evolution in Disk Galaxies, 4) The Outskirts and Environment of Disk Galaxies, 5) Interstellar Matter, 6) (Evolution of) Star Formation in Galactic Disks, 7) Disk Galaxies through Cosmic Time, and 8) Formation Models of Disk Galaxies. These proceedings are concluded with a conference summary reflecting on the most significant recent progress and outstanding problems. This volume is unique in that it brings together such a broad range of aspects of disk galaxies: structure and dynamics, the latest multi-wavelength surveys, low- and high redshift observations, theory and observations. This book is addressed to professional astronomers and their students.
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Sources and Documents Illustrating the American Revolution, 1764-1788: and the Formation of the Federal Constitution (Galaxy Books)
Samuel Eliot Morison Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0195002628 |
Book Description
The sources and documents presented in this book reflect the ideological revolution in America, encompassing the growth of independent sentiment in the colonies, the break with the mother country, and the establishment of a federal government by the states. All the essential documents are included as well as some important acts, resolves, letters, pamphlets, and instructions not readily available elsewhere.Customer Reviews:
Good source of information.......2005-10-04
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Galaxy Formation (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)
Malcolm S. Longair Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
Accessories:
ASIN: 3540637850 |
Book Description
This is a textbook for graduate students in astrophysics. The author is extremely well known not only as an astrophysicist but also as a writer of superb talent. The presentation is clear and the book should become a favourite text for students. It deals with the matter and radiation content of the universe, and the formation of galaxies, and it gives a comprehensive introduction to relativistic astrophysics as needed for the clarification of cosmological ideas.Customer Reviews:
Best single volume text for galaxy formation and the formation of structure.......2006-03-12
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The Road to Galaxy Formation (Springer-Praxis Books in Astrophysics and Astronomy)
William C. Keel Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1852335742 |
Book Description
The formation of galaxies is one of the greatest puzzles in astronomy, the solution is shrouded in the depths of space and time, but has profound implications for the universe we observe today. The book discusses the beginnings of the process from cosmological observations and calculations, considers the broad features of galaxies that we need to explain and what we know of their later history. The author compares the competing theories for galaxy formation and considers the progress expected from new generations of powerful telescopes both on earth and in space.
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Astrophysics Update (Springer Praxis Books / Astronomy and Planetary Sciences)
Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 3540406425 |
Book Description
Astrophysics Updates: is intended to serve the information needs of professional astronomers and postgraduate students about areas of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology that are rich and active research spheres. Observational methods and the latest results of astronomical research are presented as well as their theoretical foundations and interrelations. The contributed commissioned articles are written by leading exponents in a format that will appeal to professional astronomers and astrophysicists who are interested in topics outside their own specific areas of research. This collection of timely reviews may also attract the interest of advanced amateur astronomers seeking scientifically rigorous coverage.
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Diffuse Matter from Star Forming Regions to Active Galaxies: A Volume Honouring John Dyson (Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings)
Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1402054246 |
Book Description
John Dyson has contributed to the study of the hydrodynamic processes that govern a wide variety of astrophysical sources which he has helped explain. In this volume dedicated to him, introductory reviews to a number of the key processes and to the sources themselves are given by leading experts. The mechanisms in which the multi-component natures of media affect their dynamics receive particular attention, but the roles of hydromagnetic effects are also highlighted. The importance of cosmic ray moderation and mass transfer between different thermal phases for cosmic ray moderation and mass transfer between different thermal phases for the evolution of flows are amongst the topics treated. The main types of regions considered include those where stars form, the circumstellar environments of evolved stars, the larger scale interstellar structures caused by the mass loss of stars, and those where the lines of AGNs form.
The reviews complement one another and together provide a coherent introduction to the astrophysics of diffuse sources suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in astrophysics. Individual reviews stand alone and are suitable for an audience that includes advanced undergraduates doing final year projects.
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After the Dark Ages: When Galaxies were Young (The Universe at 2
Manufacturer: American Institute of Physics ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 156396855X |
Book Description
This conference was devoted to new developments in our understanding of the high redshift universe. Observations from across the electromagnetic spectrum are presented, as well as their theoretical interpretation. These new findings are altering astronomers' views about how and when the familiar structures of stars and galaxies formed and evolved.
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Apsect of Galaxy Formation
Joseph Silk Manufacturer: Unknown ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000KFH64I |
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