Changing the Essence: The Art of Creating and Leading Fundamental Change in Organizations (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership) [Hardcover]

Richard Beckhard (Author), Wendy Pritchard (Author)

Book Description

Series: J-B US non-Franchise Leadership | Publication Date: February 26, 1992

Reveals the strategies and leadership behaviors required to manage and integrate fundamental change. Uses illustrative examples of CEOs who have successfully led radical rethinking of purpose and priorities, vision, and the very structure and functions of the organization itself.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The indispensable leadership handbook for men and women who must manage the massive change, complexity, and opportunity that mark our time." --Frances Hesselbein, president and CEO, The Peter Drucker Foundation

"This new book helps us see that fundamental change is both personal and relentlessly systemic, or it is nothing at all." --Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline

From the Inside Flap

Reveals the strategies and leadership behaviors required to manage and integrate fundamental change. Uses illustrative examples of CEOs who have successfully led radical rethinking of purpose and priorities, vision, and the very structure and functions of the organization itself.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (February 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555424120
• ISBN-13: 978-1555424121
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,555,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets to the heart of the matter, May 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Changing the Essence: The Art of Creating and Leading Fundamental Change in Organizations (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership) (Hardcover)

This excellent text on change management focuses on the role that human nature and psychology play in management, and offers wise advice on how to implement significant change, such as in the transition from a project management based organization to a TQM or balanced scorecard (continuous) management process, or to support business process improvements or reengineering. It is optimistic and helpful -- and short enough to give to your senior managers. Get several copies and pass around; this is a low-cost/low-risk way to get change management started in your organization.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some Good Stuff if Your Patience is Strong Enough, December 18, 2002

By 

G. E. Kugler "Ed Kugler - nomoreBS - Author o... (Big Arm, Montana United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Changing the Essence: The Art of Creating and Leading Fundamental Change in Organizations (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership) (Hardcover)

As a student of change and one who writes and consults on the subject I found this pretty academic and full of theory. These folks get connected at the top of companies and then feedback to everyone what they observe from the mountaintop. What they dont seem to consider is whats happening along the way up - since they fly with the executives. There are a few scraps in here if you have time to find them. Average at best.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars too abstact, June 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Changing the Essence: The Art of Creating and Leading Fundamental Change in Organizations (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership) (Hardcover)

This book is too abstact for practitioners. I recommend "Strategic Organizational Change" by Beitler. Beitler is a practitioner.