Leadership and the Art of Change
A Practical Guide to Organizational Transformation
- Lee R. Beach - University of Arizona (Emeritus), University of Arizona, USA
Most books on leadership and organizational change focus on descriptive theory and research, simplistic and questionable gimmicks, or biographical sketches of successful leaders whose character and exploits students are encouraged to emulate. Leadership and the Art of Change avoids pedantry, gimmicks, and hero worship while addressing the complex issues involved in trying to lead an organization. It does not bury the reader in abstractions, nor does it offer quick fixes. Written in a conversational manner, Leadership and the Art of Change is an engaging textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying management in a variety of programs including Business, Public Administration, Health Care Management, and Social Work. It will also be of interest to professional managers looking for a unique perspective on organizational change.
Leadership and the Art of Change is a unique book in that it focuses on a leader's central and most daunting task—achieving organizational change that successfully addresses external and internal threats and opportunities. Author Lee R. Beach uses six prime responsibilities as the framework for discussing change leadership: external and internal environmental assessment to identify required changes, organizational culture as a constraint on change, vision for motivating change; plans as a map for change, implementation to produce change, and follow-through for institutionalizing achieved changes and making ongoing change a part of the culture.
Key Features:
Seems like a very good organizer for the developmental sequence of the course and coverage of key topics.
Great in combination with Anderson Case Study book highlighting organizational change.
Was not appropriate for my course
Great assimilation of leadership and change theories
Appropriate coverage of topics in a subject of long-term business sustainability and competitive advantage