Systems Thinking for Curious Managers: With 40 New Management f-Laws

by Russell L. Ackoff, Herbert Addison, Jamshid Gharajedaghi (Foreword)

This gem of a book introduces the extraordinary world of Systems Thinking and its 'Dean', Russell Ackoff, to curious and enquiring managers, teachers, business people - anyone, anywhere who works in an organisation. The book opens the door to a joined up way of thinking about things that has profoundly influenced thinkers and doers in the fields of business, politics, economics, biology, psychology. Although Systems Thinking was 'invented' early in the 20th century, even Peter Senge's best-selling "The Fifth Discipline" (Systems Thinking is the fifth discipline) failed to popularise the term. But now, in business and academia, in the public sector and in the search for solutions to the environmental problems we face, Systems Thinking is being talked about everywhere. In the same way, it's only since his death in 2009 that management thinker, writer and guru Russell Ackoff has achieved the reputation he deserves. This timely book presents 40 more of Russ Ackoff's famously witty and incisive f-Laws (or flaws) of business - following on from his 2007 collection "Management f-Laws". All those in this collection are new and previously unpublished. Andrew Carey's extended introduction ties these f-Laws into the rest of Ackoff's work and gives the reader new to Systems Thinking a practical guide to the implications of Systems Thinking for organisations and managers. The Foreword by Jamshid Gharajedaghi is a moving tribute from Ackoff's friend and business partner of many years.

Genres: Business, Management, Nonfiction

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2010

About the author

Russell Lincoln Ackoff was Anheuser Busch Professor Emeritus of management science at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Professor Ackoff was an American organizational theorist and consultant, and a pioneer in the fields of operations research and management science.

Reviews

[Jukka Lindström · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the condenced format of the book - it was a quick read.

Most of the f-laws are found in other books by Ackoff like Re-creating the corporation - so it was nice to see them listed here. I gave it three stars as I the book does not stand too well by itself and I would have hoped more new insights and ideas for me how to lead and manage.

[Mike Peleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice small book, very though provoking. It includes some 130 management f-Laws, 90 re:cycled from previous books and 40 new coming with full text explanation.
Good book if you are interested in management and complex systems.


P.S. This book came to me by recommendation of someone's blog on on management.

[Joseph Assaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! I always used to admire Russ Ackoff's work but this easy, small, concize book is a must for every manager/corporate lead/ Agile Coach to set a foot in applying System Thinking mindset and look at it from a clear perspective spotlighting challenges, behaviors, and most importantly cooperation.

[Anbu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinctly put.
I liked the introduction, which covered a lot of system-thinking topics in a condensed manner.

Some laws are too funny because they are so true.

[Daryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fundamental Reading

We are entrenched in a system which encourages us to look inside it for answers as to how to improve it. However, until we entertain the idea that another system exists we will continue to move in negative cycles; negative to our health and negative to the dream of opportunity. Until a fish recognises that the air and land exist, it cannot fathom an alternative path for evolution. It will stay within its system. We are currently entrenched in a system of measuring people, rather than measuring production. We rate them. Instead we should be rating outputs to provide instruction for different methods. Although this book does not focus on performance management, it provides valuable lessons for anyone seeking professional practice. Quality and improvement are the result of studying and adjusting the system. People are not the problem, unless we are speaking of those who govern the system. In that case, it is our task, with tools like this, to make positive change happen. Waiting for them will yield more of the same.

[André Heijstek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent small book with a good basic introduction in systems thinking, and many, sometimes hilarious management f-laws.
See here for a more elaborate review: http://andreheijstek.wordpress.com/20... (partly in Dutch, mostly in English)

[Sid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book. Quick read. Great introduction to Systems Thinking - from an remarkable man I've only just discovered. Keeping this within reach for dipping in from time to time.