Masters of management: how the business gurus and their ideas have changed the world--for better and for worse

The coauthor of The Witch Doctors (1996) expands and revises that book, defining management theory as the study of business. These three principles remain unchanged: Management gurus are the power behind the throne as they continue to shape the thinking of the global elite; management is an immature industry, prone to fads; the good that management produces outweighs the negative. The management industry includes notable gurus (the late Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, etc.), business schools, management consultancies, and much of the business press. Its reach is global, it has generated enormous financial success, and it directly or indirectly affects all of us as it reinvents companies, careers, even government entities. Wooldridge confirms the importance of management theory today as executives face rising Internet challenges, emerging markets, and increasing social entrepreneurship that is, the harnessing of business techniques to solve social problems. This excellent book encourages thoughtful analysis of the growing management revolution; the combining of knowledge, learning, and innovation; the real meaning of globalization; and boardroom implications.--Whaley, Mary Copyright 2010 Booklist

Wooldridge and John Micklethwait's 1996 history of management theory, The Witch Doctors, became a best seller lauded for its open-eyed analysis of prevailing methodology. Wooldridge (management editor, the Economist) has completely revised and updated the book to include events from the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s to the current recession. The core of the book is a solid examination of the effects of entrepreneurship, globalization, and the free-agency economy on corporate governance. Wooldridge offers a balanced look at how business schools have spawned a guru industry that offers a gamut of theories on learning, innovation, and strategy. Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, and the "Journo-Gurus" (Thomas Friedman, Malcolm Gladwell, and Chris Anderson) receive focused attention as the main influences in contemporary theory. VERDICT This is one of the best overviews of management theory in the 20th century. It is written in a clear and accessible style that will appeal to both MBA students and the general reader. Highly recommended.-John Rodzvilla, Emerson Coll., Boston (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The coauthor of The Witch Doctors (1996) expands and revises that book, defining management theory as the study of business. These three principles remain unchanged: Management gurus are the power behind the throne as they continue to shape the thinking of the global elite; management is an immature industry, prone to fads; the good that management produces outweighs the negative. The management industry includes notable gurus (the late Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, etc.), business schools, management consultancies, and much of the business press. Its reach is global, it has generated enormous financial success, and it directly or indirectly affects all of us as it reinvents companies, careers, even government entities. Wooldridge confirms the importance of management theory today as executives face rising Internet challenges, emerging markets, and increasing social entrepreneurship—that is, the harnessing of business techniques to solve social problems. This excellent book encourages thoughtful analysis of the growing management revolution; the combining of knowledge, learning, and innovation; the real meaning of globalization; and boardroom implications. Copyright 2011 Booklist Reviews.

Wooldridge and John Micklethwait's 1996 history of management theory, The Witch Doctors, became a best seller lauded for its open-eyed analysis of prevailing methodology. Wooldridge (management editor, the Economist) has completely revised and updated the book to include events from the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s to the current recession. The core of the book is a solid examination of the effects of entrepreneurship, globalization, and the free-agency economy on corporate governance. Wooldridge offers a balanced look at how business schools have spawned a guru industry that offers a gamut of theories on learning, innovation, and strategy. Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, and the "Journo-Gurus" (Thomas Friedman, Malcolm Gladwell, and Chris Anderson) receive focused attention as the main influences in contemporary theory. VERDICT This is one of the best overviews of management theory in the 20th century. It is written in a clear and accessible style that will appeal to both MBA students and the general reader. Highly recommended.—John Rodzvilla, Emerson Coll., Boston