Managing for the Future: Organizational Behavior and Processes

by Deborah G. Ancona

Managing for the Future is an innovative approach to teaching organizational behavior based on the course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The text first presents the new organization, examining it through strategic, political, and cultural lenses. Then the role and impact of teams and central issues facing the organization itself are explored. The last section of the text focuses on skills--the goal being not only to present the new organization but also illustrate how students can become better actors within it. Each of the 14 modules provides many instructional options through cases, readings, exercises and projects. Managing for the Future's modular format allows for even greater flexibility, allowing instructors to select only the topics they need to suit their course needs. Managing for the Future's flexible design and its' experiential-based approach make the text and appealing choice for experienced learners.

704 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Justin Jaeger · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some interesting cases mixed throughout, but for the most part I felt that the material was common sense concepts spun into semantic changes. Learning with this book made it feel like Human Resources is a language to be learned instead of a functional segment of business. While speaking the language is important, I'd have been happier with the book if it assisted in taking the next step towards application. The cases were the closest this book reached to that end.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely informative and practical work on the cognitive behavior of organizational structures encompassing both older and modern models. Organizational structure identification, strategic functions, political dynamics, culture, managerial styles, information flow mechanisms and organizational transformation are covered. Overall it serves well as a reference for understanding modern organizations as well giving insight into the organizational transformation process.

[Lilly]

Hm... I don't think I cared for this book.

Did well in the class though, so I don't hate it either.