From Publishers Weekly
Calvert, an adjunct professor in graduate management at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, offers an intriguing thesis. The "changing business environment requires a revision of established risk-taking expectations and methods," compelling managers to "consider more favorably the opportunities . . . that justify a greater number of risks than in the past." They must seek taking chances as "an everyday tactic, not just an occasional strategy." This idea echoes the quip by Will Rogers that "even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." Calvert adroitly fine-tunes his theory with detailed comments regarding risk-attitude inventories, decision making, chaotic times and planning. His coverage of case studies and his discussion of coping with emotions and failures are splendid. This well-researched study is an important contributon to management thinking.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"An outstanding contribution! Practical applications . . . immensely beneficial." —David Celmer, director, Corporate Quality Management, Ciba-Geigy Corporation
"A structured learning process for both the experienced and new manager to learn when and how to take career and business risks." —Keith Blurton, Ph.D., general manager, Technology Development and Commercialization, Center for Innovative Technology
"An important contribution to management thinking."
"The play-it-safe management strategies of the past are no longer good enough in today's marketplace. This book shows managers how to embrace the opportunities of risk and to walk the tightrope of today's business world."
"One skill that all executives attempting to manage technology need is the ability to evaluate and undertake risk.... Drawing from an impressive variety of sources, Mr. Calvert teaches readers to assess their current risk skills, challenge false risk assumptions, judge risks soundly, lower risk levels, control emotional responses to risk, and, perhaps most important, survive the inevitable failures."
