Perspectives on Managing Employees gets its low rating because the title is misleading. Perspectives on Managing Employees is not book for managers and its not really about managing nor even supervising, although much of the information will be helpful to supervisors.
Perspectives on Managing Employees a book for supervisors and managers who must hire and supervise inexperienced, usually nonexempt employees. The book spends very little time on managing or supervising. Most of the time is spent on interviewing, setting reasonable expectations for junior employees and using things like employee-of-the-month programs and birthday celebrations. The book asks things like "is it worthwhile to check references?" (a question that would not occur most professional managers as the answer would be an automatic, "Are you kidding? Of course!)" Another issue tackled is whether an employer has a right to expect "universal etiquite." The issues mentioned will ring true for anyone currently dealing with recent college grads including dress, saying please and thank you, minimizing personal phone calls etc.
These are not management issues. They are basic supervisory issues and standards that are necessary when training young people and other people who, for whatever reason, haven't learned how to behave in an office. Each section includes the perspective of the manager and that of the employee. (A typical employee is that of weight loss consultant, another is a financial advisor but its safe to say that this is a junior level financial advisor.) The information given is just fine, and the book is worthwhile for supervisors, managers of junior staff or owners of small companies who hire customer service and other nonexempt staff.
There certainly is a place for a book that tells supervisors how to hire and deal with junior or nonexempt employees. But naming a book Perspectives on Managing Employees and implying that it's a management guide is misleading. As the book is being sold on the internet, it's bound to be purchsed by people who trust the number of stars and think its a book filled with essays on perspectives on management.
If you need a book about the ongoing management of mostly experienced professionals, Perspectives on Management is not the right book. Its probably not the right book if you are looking for something to help you supervise a team that is in place. If you are hiring junior people however, and need something to guide you in setting basic limits, and using some very basic motivation programs, this book may be helpful.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Save on audiobooks.
Hundreds of titles up to 80% off. Listen now
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
