Customer Reviews

Gods of Management: The Changing Work of Organizations

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many other management thinkers create new models and popularize them as their masterwork. Charles Handy is different. He just reminds us about things that have happened. Greek gods were already part of our civilization. Yet it takes one man like Handy to recognize it and analyze it so creatively

This is a really interesting book. Handy uses the personalities of the gods to typify certain management styles. It makes the styles more memorable and easier to discuss with colleagues

This book is a must for anyone considering a serious career in Business or Management. It provides insight on what to look for in groups and how they function as a unit, and the different management styles of corporations, government entities or universities. It will also help to identify which groups you would work best with, and which ones to avoid.

This was a required book for a doctorate level course, but it has served me well in my consulting practice. It is useful for organizational development specialists and human resource professionals. Handy deftly presents a new organizational paradigm using powerful historical and visual support. It is a brilliant piece of work that causes you to examine the order within organizations while compelling you to identify personal organizational preferences. I loved it!

This book was received in a timely manner, and the condition is excellent. Good job.

I like Handy's writing style and have read most of his books, what I particularly like about this publication is that its not his usual commentary about the way the world of work is changing, rather it provides a framework for most managers, particularly new managers to understand the cultural dynamics of their organisation.

Each type of organisation is characterised by one of the Greek gods, its a useful analogy and he is quite playful with the portrayal of each god type.

Identifying the 'god' type operating within your organisation, then understanding its character allows any manager to position their work in way that would be understood and accepted by the hierarchy. It also helps a manager steer clear of incurring their wrath.

I recommend this book as a great primer for anyone learning about organisational dynamics for the first time.

It was simply a joy to read and very useful, Excellent.

It was a wonderful idea relate two concepts that seem so far in a book that explores interesting aspects in the dynamics of the management. I've been management years after having read this book and I`ve to recognize the huge help that the text gave me.
A must for those managers who still consider the mythos is just a cultural hobbie.
Wrong choice!
And I hope Mr. Harding you surprise with another book related with similar items.

In my world, the mere learning of the existence of this book along with its premise was a powerful "I-KNEW-IT!" experience. So that is why my description of my first reaction was as follows "provides a firm intellectual foundation for that gnawing feeling that your work environment may very well be some sort of a cult. ...all too often this all-important question about work situations being cults goes unanswered."

After some time to roll it over, I see that this book's ideas--though resting on a creative, relevant, and sound basis--are quite fluffy and weak compared to what is possible. Especially in light of books such as "Personality and Organization" by Chris Agryis and "Love and Will" by Rollo May.

It's really a very interesting book with a new concept and ideas about organization's Culture.