Improving Performance: How to Manage the White Space in the Organization Chart [Hardcover]

Geary A. Rummler (Author), Alan P. Brache (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0787900907 | ISBN-13: 978-0787900908 | Edition: 2

Streamline the processes vital to optimum performance

With over 100,000 copies sold worldwide, Improving Performance is recognized as the book that launched the Process Improvement revolution. It was the first such approach to bridge the gap between organization strategy and the individual. Now, in this revised and expanded new edition, Rummler and Brache reflect on the key needs of organizations faced with today's challenge of managing change. With multiple charts, checklists, hands-on tools and case studies, the authors show how they implemented their Performance Improvement methodology in over 250 successful projects with clients such as Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Shell Oil, and Citibank.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

With over 100,000 copies sold worldwide, Improving Performance is recognized as the book that launched the Process Improvement revolution. It was the first such approach to bridge the gap between organization strategy and the individual. Now, in this revised and expanded new edition, Rummler and Brache reflect on the key needs of organizations faced with today's challenge of managing change. With multiple charts, checklists, hands-on tools and case studies, the authors show how they implemented their Performance Improvement methodology in over 250 successful projects with clients such as Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Shell Oil, and Citibank.

From the Back Cover

With over 100,000 copies sold worldwide, Improving Performance is recognized as the book that launched the Process Improvement revolution. It was the first such approach to bridge the gap between organization strategy and the individual. Now, in this revised and expanded new edition, Rummler and Brache reflect on the key needs of organizations faced with today's challenge of managing change. With multiple charts, checklists, hands-on tools and case studies, the authors show how they implemented their Performance Improvement methodology in over 250 successful projects with clients such as Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Shell Oil, and Citibank.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 2 edition (May 12, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787900907
• ISBN-13: 978-0787900908
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #385,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best, jargon-less, practical guide to process improvemnt December 14, 1996

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

By far the best, most practical guide to the real work of identifying, analyzing, validating and improving processes in the business organization.

Beginning with the necessary, and otherwise neglected, holistic view of the organization, the book sets forth a rational, clear and yet simple view of the organizational skeleton, process levels and interdependencies. The authors provide body, substance and practical tools & guidance to actually doing the work and achieving the benefits of process improvement (versus the rhetoric, generalities and limited anecdotal examples from all others).

Highly recommend

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for Managers, Process Designers and Six Sigma September 12, 2001

By "mpmcdonald"

Format:Hardcover

People had been telling me to read this book for over two years and I always put it off. First it was the Internet and eCommerce. Then it was Six Sigma. Now I have had a chance to read this book and regret my delay. This book is a gem of factual, example filled, and focused insight and understanding. This is a true manual for changing processes and

First the book provides a clear roadmap for process change. It defines the individual steps necessary as well as the interconnection points between the organization, its processes, measurements and other elements. While you may not agree with all of the points -- the completeness will give you more than enough ideas to be of value.

Second, the book is well populated with detailed graphical examples that illustrate the concepts and thier intent. The level of detail, the practicality and the realism of the examples allows you to study the issue, understand it and find parallels in your own business.

Lastly, the book is complete it covers issues related to process design, implementation, process owners, measurement and management. Many people write whole books on one of these aspects however Rummler and Brache have covered them all in a focused and informative text.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to implement process management, six sigma, or other related changes. The book provides the details often left out of texts associated with six sigma. It provides a completeness often missing from process management and design texts.

The only drawback to the book is that its writing style is a bit dry and the book, written in 1995 does not cover many of the process innovations enabled through the Internet. Otherwise this book is a real winner and well worth your attention.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended January 26, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

This is a text book, not a breezy read. It is also a cook book, where the authors tell you not only what needs to be done (common) but how to do it (rare). We are a process improvement consulting company and go through three or four copies a year. We loan them to clients who don't want to give them back.

Hugh Schmidt, Vice President, Process Flow Specialists, Inc.