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Reconstructing Strategy: Dancing with the God of Objectivity
“An intellectual gem.”
Professor Chris Coker, London School of Economics
Reconstructing Strategy: Dancing with the God of Objectivity pioneers an approach to strategy based on Dr. Saqib Qureshi’s insight that “self-identity is the prime strategic directive.”
Qureshi demonstrates the failures of modern strategy, covering personal strategy, organizational strategy and foreign policy strategy partly through the works of three modern strategists.
With examples ranging from Disneyland to the Iranian Revolution, from Jan Morris to Great Britain’s Suez Crisis of 1956, Reconstructing Strategy then elucidates self-identity’s
impact on strategy.
“The book’s depth, and Qureshi’s breezily unpretentious style, make it a worthy read. A delightfully nonstandard approach to strategy that doesn’t get bogged down by hyper-technical language.”
Kirkus Reviews
"For those with an interest in an enlightened and broad view of strategy, Reconstructing Strategy is sure to be a compelling book.”
Foreword Reviews
“Using the construct of self-identity as the starting point to define and develop strategy is a stroke of genius. Dr Qureshi argues his case with great effect, humour and wisdom; enabling any individual, organization or government to begin a coherent and meaningful conversation on strategy.”
Grayson Bass, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Reconstructing Strategy explores how our self-identities, whether as individuals, organizations or countries, impact our strategies. Specifically, the book demonstrates that self-identity impacts how we see the world, our vision (however vague that might be) and the steps we take to get from where we are to where we want to be.
In doing so, the book is unorthodox. It not only draws upon a very wide range of intellectual disciplines, but it maintains a punchy, conversational tone with slithers of humour. For instance, besides relying on philosophers such as Kant and Foucault, the author leans as easily on Disney's Buzz and Woody.
Professor Chris Coker, London School of Economics
Reconstructing Strategy: Dancing with the God of Objectivity pioneers an approach to strategy based on Dr. Saqib Qureshi’s insight that “self-identity is the prime strategic directive.”
Qureshi demonstrates the failures of modern strategy, covering personal strategy, organizational strategy and foreign policy strategy partly through the works of three modern strategists.
With examples ranging from Disneyland to the Iranian Revolution, from Jan Morris to Great Britain’s Suez Crisis of 1956, Reconstructing Strategy then elucidates self-identity’s
impact on strategy.
“The book’s depth, and Qureshi’s breezily unpretentious style, make it a worthy read. A delightfully nonstandard approach to strategy that doesn’t get bogged down by hyper-technical language.”
Kirkus Reviews
"For those with an interest in an enlightened and broad view of strategy, Reconstructing Strategy is sure to be a compelling book.”
Foreword Reviews
“Using the construct of self-identity as the starting point to define and develop strategy is a stroke of genius. Dr Qureshi argues his case with great effect, humour and wisdom; enabling any individual, organization or government to begin a coherent and meaningful conversation on strategy.”
Grayson Bass, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Reconstructing Strategy explores how our self-identities, whether as individuals, organizations or countries, impact our strategies. Specifically, the book demonstrates that self-identity impacts how we see the world, our vision (however vague that might be) and the steps we take to get from where we are to where we want to be.
In doing so, the book is unorthodox. It not only draws upon a very wide range of intellectual disciplines, but it maintains a punchy, conversational tone with slithers of humour. For instance, besides relying on philosophers such as Kant and Foucault, the author leans as easily on Disney's Buzz and Woody.
440 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2015
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 25, 2019
Reconstructing Strategy by Dr. Saqib Quershi takes an in-depth look at how self-identity influences strategy pertaining to individuals, organizations and countries. From his perspective, he tells readers that self-identity influences how we see ourselves and the world around us. Therefore having an impact on our visions and goals for the future.
The beginning of the book discusses three types of strategic thought. The first being life strategy, foreign policy strategy and organizational strategy. Regarding life strategy we learn that how we see ourselves reflect how we see others. The author talks about his country, Pakistan based on his doctoral thesis to share his observations about foreign policy strategy. He explored how America’s self-identity influenced its policy to Pakistan between 1945 and 1960. It is an enlightening chapter worthy of discussion. He addresses organizational strategy in detail.
I was most taken with the section where Quershi uses Disneyland as an example of for his take on organizational strategy. Walt Disney created Disneyland’s self-identity as a “happy place provider”. It may have been a simple vision, but it required a particular strategy to make it work. First there was the park’s layout which was designed to keep the outside world virtually unseen by building walls high enough to block views of the highways esentially giving visitors a way to forget their worries. Second was the focus on human resources and training employees to provide the best and most joyful customer service possible. The author shares a personal story to help readers understand just how far Disney Parks (worldwide) go to make visitors happy. Lastly, as a provider of happiness Disney has a strict code of cleanliness in its operations. Reading this section made things clear to me how self-identity can be extended from one person, one organization and one country to another. Disney parks presents a great example of the author's point.
The author's conversational style lightened the tone of the book and helped me see how self-identity plays a role in my everyday life and those around me. This book would be a good reference for sociology professors, students, and business managers across the world.
The beginning of the book discusses three types of strategic thought. The first being life strategy, foreign policy strategy and organizational strategy. Regarding life strategy we learn that how we see ourselves reflect how we see others. The author talks about his country, Pakistan based on his doctoral thesis to share his observations about foreign policy strategy. He explored how America’s self-identity influenced its policy to Pakistan between 1945 and 1960. It is an enlightening chapter worthy of discussion. He addresses organizational strategy in detail.
I was most taken with the section where Quershi uses Disneyland as an example of for his take on organizational strategy. Walt Disney created Disneyland’s self-identity as a “happy place provider”. It may have been a simple vision, but it required a particular strategy to make it work. First there was the park’s layout which was designed to keep the outside world virtually unseen by building walls high enough to block views of the highways esentially giving visitors a way to forget their worries. Second was the focus on human resources and training employees to provide the best and most joyful customer service possible. The author shares a personal story to help readers understand just how far Disney Parks (worldwide) go to make visitors happy. Lastly, as a provider of happiness Disney has a strict code of cleanliness in its operations. Reading this section made things clear to me how self-identity can be extended from one person, one organization and one country to another. Disney parks presents a great example of the author's point.
The author's conversational style lightened the tone of the book and helped me see how self-identity plays a role in my everyday life and those around me. This book would be a good reference for sociology professors, students, and business managers across the world.
Displaying 1 of 1 review