Customer Reviews

Ackoff's Best: His Classic Writings on Management

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A fascinating collection of writings, compiled by the author, which explores, first and foremost, systems thinking and its effects upon business and management. But beyond this, these writings delve into an astounding array of subjects including: the nature of planning; problem solving; managing; mission statements; creativity and constraints; consumer design; education; crime; advertising; design of management systems; the nature of science and methodology; objectivity; rationality; the future of operations research; and the role of business in a democratic society. This book is nothing less than a journey into the many-faceted mind of a great thinker. For those with a high level of curiosity about systems, organization, business, the human mind, and society, this collection is a gold mine, reflecting the richness of thought of this exceptional person. Highly recommended.

This book collects provocative, insightful essays by Russell L. Ackoff, architect turned city planner turned behavioral scientist turned professor. True to his convictions about systems thinking, his pieces form a coherent whole. Like a successful system, the whole of this book is greater than the sum of its parts. And what parts: the roots of systems thinking; a properly irreverent approach to bureaucracy; the role of planning; a standard for mission statements; effective advertising advice. Ackoff is a voice in the wilderness as he fondly remembers his bureaucracy-bucking, folly-filled, smart-as-heck past. Although this book tends to veer toward the academic, managers and students of management will find it useful. We [...] recommend it to anyone seeking insight on creativity, education, and science. Tear into this book a little at a time; you won't be disappointed.

The only book by Ackoff that I would recommend more highly is Re-creating the Corporation. These two books summarize much of his thought and philosophy of business design. If you are looking for a better understanding on systems thinking and its implications for organization design and peformance, and did not find it in Senge's The Fifth Discipline, then here is a great place to go. Put on your thinking cap and delve into Ackoff's Best.

The book is a collection of chapters, reports, and articles that Russell Ackoff wrote over a span of decades. However, they come together to form a coherent whole seamlessly.

He did write brief introductions to the four sections: Systems, Planning, Applications, and Science. The only editing was to remove what would otherwise be redundant explanations. The book also provides guidance to continue research after each chapter. So if one chapter seems particularly interesting you get find the book or other relevant sources.

Ackoff's writing is witty and at times mischievous, but always easily readable. This is an added benefit, considering:
A) that so few management books are anything close to enjoyable reading, and
B) his topics are unusually complex.

His explanation of systems is masterful, and his use of many clarifying definitions illuminates what could otherwise be a difficult subject. His examples shine, ranging from how people respond to bureaucracies, to why people drink alcohol, to how education frequently stifles creativity, and to the effects of advertising on sales.

The one weakness would be the chapter on crime, which was written in 1974, and has been completely reversed by the policies that lead to New York's dramatic reductions in crime in the 90s.

That said, Ackoff still has an enviable track record of success considering that his pioneering research blazed trails in so many areas.

This book is a great colection of essays by a brilliant thinker. In essays ranging from topics such as crime, education, psychology, and management, Ackoff manages to outline what systems thinking is truly about. Though I often did not agree with his prescriptions, the creative nature of his solutions very unique, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a thought provoking experience.