The Necessary Revolution: How individuals and organizations are working together to create a sustainable world.

by Peter M. Senge, Bryan Smith, Sara Schley

Imagine a world in which the excess energy from one business would be used to heat another. Where buildings need less and less energy around the world, and where “regenerative” commercial buildings – ones that create more energy than they use – are being designed. A world in which environmentally sound products and processes would be more cost-effective than wasteful ones. A world in which corporations such as Costco, Nike, BP, and countless others are forming partnerships with environmental and social justice organizations to ensure better stewardship of the earth and better livelihoods in the developing world. Now, stop imagining – that world is already emerging.

A revolution is underway in today’s organizations. As Peter Senge and his co-authors reveal in The Necessary Revolution , companies around the world are boldly leading the change from dead-end “business as usual” tactics to transformative strategies that are essential for creating a flourishing, sustainable world. There is a long way to go, but the era of denial has ended. Today’s most innovative leaders are recognizing that for the sake of our companies and our world, we must implement revolutionary—not just incremental—changes in the way we live and work.

Brimming with inspiring stories from individuals and organizations tackling social and environmental problems around the globe, THE NECESSARY REVOLUTION reveals how ordinary people at every level are transforming their businesses and communities. By working collaboratively across boundaries, they are exploring and putting into place unprecedented solutions that move beyond just being “less bad” to creating pathways that will enable us to flourish in an increasingly interdependent world. Among the stories in these pages are the evolution of Sweden’s “Green Zone,” Alcoa’s water use reduction goals, GE’s ecoimagination initiative, and Seventh Generation’s decision to shift some of their advertising to youth-led social change programs.

At its heart, THE NECESSARY REVOLUTION contains a wealth of strategies that individuals and organizations can use — specific tools and ways of thinking — to help us build the confidence and competence to respond effectively to the greatest challenge of our time. It is an essential guidebook for all of us who recognize the need to act and work together—now—to create a sustainable world, both for ourselves and for the generations to follow.

Genres: Sustainability, Business, Nonfiction, Environment, Economics, Leadership, Climate Change

416 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2008

About the author

Peter M. Senge is a senior lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also founding chair of the Society for Organizational Learning (SoL), a global community of corporations, researchers, and consultants dedicated to the "interdependent development of people and their institutions."
--from the author's website

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to oversell it, but I really think that everyone should read this book. It's written from the business perspective, but it's relevant to everyone, especially people in communications, business, government and the natural sciences.

The authors use "Revolution" in the title, but this isn't a hard-core text. You don't have to be a hippie to appreciate the ideas. What makes this book so amazing is that it takes a lot of very technical and mysterious concepts for people outside of architecture and environmental sciences and makes those concepts easily understandable. They give concrete examples of these principles in action, then give a pretty comprehensive guide to implementing these principles in your own business or organization.

[jslsdh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to finish reading this but I'm really glad I did. This has helped encourage me in rethinking through the corporate approach to the environment.

[Erin M · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I picked this book up at the store, I was really excited because I thought it was late-breaking new work from Senge - I was a little disappointed to find out that this writing is over a decade old.

While dated, there are some good nuggets in here, and some models I will refer back to as I work on my PhD.

[stinaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I thought was going to be a profile of organizations working towards sustainability was so much more. A set of guidelines and a prescription for how organizations, businesses, workers can make change and induce more sustainable practices for business.

Put a face and name to the method of thinking that I choose over all others - systems thinking (seeing the whole) and provides tools and step by step instructions as to how individuals and groups can implement systems thinking within their organizations.

Overall the premise is simple, 3 basic rules to developing sustainable business for the world post the Industrial Age bubble: first to implement systems thinking, second to collaborate across boundaries, and third to move from problem solving to creating. Three easy concepts and useful ones at that - being able to see the whole is vital to sustainability and any survival of any system or issue, working with people across boundaries recognizes the importance of collaboration and how interconnected we all our (people and ecosystems alike), while moving from fixing a problem to creating a desirable future is a positive and aspirational step that helps motivate people in the right direction. I love these 3 steps and the book explores them more in depth and provides further tools to help others to implement them.

A must read for anyone who wants to make change and recognizes that no business is sustainable if we cannot sustain life on our planet.

[Kes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I somehow feel that this book was wrongly titled, or perhaps attempted to do too much.

There are two aspects of this book:

1. How do you organise change in your workplace? This book accomplishes these aims well; it sets out schematics; questions to ask; ways to look at a problem and problem solve; how to talk to people and reframe the question; examples from various companies (e.g. people travelling together).

2. The actual writing: I felt that this was substantially weaker. I didn't need all the examples about various companies (e.g. Coke) at the start and felt that those could have been better integrated into the text. The writing also felt too complimentary - "look at all these companies who have succeeded! This guy took ten years to fight through bureaucracy but still managed to succeed! This CEO renamed himself to "Chief Environment Officer" to highlight the focus on the environment!"

Ok cool. How about efforts that failed? What caused those failures? How do we know that people just didn't get lucky? A company aims for zero and has the lowest accident rate compared to their competitors - but it's obviously not "aiming for zero" that gets them there; it's also the execution and the culture. Do their competitors not aim for zero?

I felt that these questions should have been answered in the book. As it was, the book felt oddly too positive. At best, the examples would acknowledge "ok, this company has a way to go", but it doesn't go into the details.

I don't feel the title is accurate and I would have removed the examples at the start. I felt those were unnecessary bloating - for example, the focus on the guy who pushed for the implementation of ethanol cars in Europe wasn't really explored / tied to later chapters - what was the point of using him as an example? More focus should have been placed on the participatory aspect which takes up most of the book: "The Necessary Revolution: How You Could Work With Your Organisation To Create A Sustainable World".

There is some weird corporate speak too: "we don't hire people to make brownies, we make brownies to hire people." - er, neat framing, and it is thought-provoking, but my bullshit meter went off.

Coincidentally, bullshit meter is talked about by "the late William O'Brien, former CEO of Hanover Insurance, once said, "Over the years, I have found that each person instinctively uses their own 'bullshit meter' to judge visions. At the end of the day, you ask yourself, 'How did our vision influence our actions?' If the answer is "It didn't," the vision is just words."

At the same time, don't let my criticism detract from this being a useful book: I would just suggest skipping the first fifth or so.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is perhaps designed for business executives to read, but it actually would do environmental activists a lot of good to read it too. The book begins with a series of case studies about major MNCs - Xerox, Coca Cola, P&G, Alcoa, Nike, BP, Costco, Toyota, BMW, Dupont, GE, and Unilever - that radically shifted their company's way of thinking in order to incorporate a sustainable way of doing business. All of these companies used systems thinking to do so. Many partnered with NGOs like Greenpeace, WWF, or Oxfam. But all of them not only saw that when they made some pretty remarkable shifts in their business practices to become more sustainable, they also saw profitability increase dramatically. My favourite story from this part of the book is when Xerox took a bunch of its employees out to the woods where they were totally disconnected from city and corporate life for a few days. Then they met up in a lodge in this forest and saw one of their photocopy machines at the centre. For all of them it felt so out of place and it led them to redesign their product to create something with reusable parts, recyclable pieces so they could be responsible for the end of life of the product they produced.

The rest of the book is really designed to help companies follow in these footsteps with extremely helpful toolbox sections where they give you ideas about how to proceed in your company with step-by-step guides. For environmentalists, this can be instructive as it can create new ways of thinking about engaging with a part of society that can be moved to change when directed in the right way.

[Maaz Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book which brings to light a subject that has been thrown into headlines more recently as compared to when it was first published and tackles the issue of sustainability from a business standpoint. Not only does the book make use of case studies to articulate points, it also provides readers with tips on how to 'create a sustainable world' themselves.

The writing was at times verbose, but otherwise this was a very good book and is recommended for anyone who encourages the shift to a sustainable world.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senge's message for big business is to adopt sustainable and green practices or perish. The book has engaging stories about the transformation of well-known companies, sometimes to improve a bad image and other times because employees really care about their affects on communities and ecosystems.

The book is well written and interesting, but I am not pursuing a degree in business and, while a lot of the systems thinking is applicable, there was a lot that just won't translate into the field of education.

[Lexi Childers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare to come across a book that discusses this topic and includes what individuals can do to support solving the climate crisis( especially without making it overwhelming.) Despite some of the statistics being old (book was published in 2008), the real world examples were still extremely relevant and helpful to digest the points being made. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in being a part of the revolution being carved out to curb the global climate crisis and increase sustainable practices!

[Eremite · Rating 3 out of 5]

It hasn't been that long since this was published but it still felt surprisingly dated. And it took a while to slog through. But I liked the acknowledgement of living systems thinking and the focus on transforming corporations from the inside.

[Amy Constant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read for a social and environmental change class

[Gatot Widayanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main reason for buying this book for me is because of the author. Who doesn't know Peter Senge, who is famous for his book The Fifth Discipline almost two decades ago, in 1990 to be precise. The book has become a topic of conversation among observers of business strategy and management, especially those who study organizational learning. The main premise set out by Senge at that time was an invitation to cultivate systemic thinking. The example he uses is also very simple, namely by using a demand-supply simulation of a beverage distribution system starting from factories to distributors, agents, retailers, to consumers. With the ultimate goal of achieving balance, Senge explained clearly how a systemic approach could solve the problem.

Systemic Approach and Balance

In this book, The Necessary Revolution, Senge emphasizes the same thing, namely the importance of a systemic approach, with the same goal: balance. The difference is, in this 2008 book, he and his friends, who are members of the Organizational Learning Society, broaden the context to become global, not a corporate entity. The main issue he raised was the environment. Here he emphasizes the main issue rather than his methods. So, don't be surprised if you are lulled by an interesting description of the systemic approach in his previous book, now it is less emphasized even though he still uses the causality diagram (starting with p. 21). In a way, Senge deliberately wanted to emphasize the need for us to be more aware of and act on increasingly severe environmental damage, by reminding us that a systemic approach must be used.

Gatot Widayanto - BREED

[Mansee Sahu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a moderate read with insights on how small steps towards sustainable environment are making a difference. Examples of some big companies are taken to support the idea. Although it is a comprehensive guide for people who want to take inspiration from the sustainable efforts like ethanol cars, coca-cola saving water and so on, but the flip side and detailing as to the real reason behind these companies taking these sustainable efforts and what they are gaining out of it and so on for these examples would have made it more interesting.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightened prescription for sustainability

The Earth faces grave sustainability problems, including global warming. In this new book, experts Peter Senge, Bryan Smith, Nina Kruschwitz, Joe Laur and Sara Schley discuss how people, organizations and nations are coming together to bring about positive change. The authors demonstrate that sustainability issues are part of an interconnected global dilemma that affects everyone. They urge united action to solve major ecological problems before solutions become impossible. They even note that businesses can save and earn money through environmentally sound products and policies. getAbstract recommends this enlightened book’s informed focus on exactly how to improve the sustainability of life on the planet.

[Ian Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was read at the same time as Meadows' System Thinking. I thought the book had some great examples of large organizations going toward a more sustainable business model. Many people in our reading club thought the beginning was too drawn out, however I disagree. It is the case studies in this book combined with the lessons learned that really made it a powerful read. Being that I am involved in the sustainability industry as a professional, I find it hard to imagine there are people out there who would pick this book up that were not already involved in The Green Revolution. This book needs to be required reading material for plant operators, businessmen, engineers...basically those who run buildings, businesses, and governments.

[Jackie Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book for its hopeful yet practical message. Some businesses really are trying to do the right thing when it comes to sustainability, and they will continue to put pressure on other businesses while forming symbiotic relationships with suppliers. The stories about specific companies' efforts were inspiring. What didn't hold my interest quite as well were the parts about how Jane Doe working for such-and-such a company can work with like-minded coworkers to change the minds of higher ups. It might work (again, there was a lot of focus on practicality), but I was not reading the book for corporate America change-from-within guerrilla tactics.

[Edwin B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Senge is a favorite of mine in the field of organizational learning and participative change. And indeed, his philosophy on how businesses should be run hews closely to the regenerative spirit of sustainability - where people, natural resources, energy, materials, and by-products are fruitfully tapped, stewarded and cultivated with mindfulness towards preserving the ability of future generations to similarly thrive. This is a practical primer on how individuals and organizations can participate in creating a sustainable, just and equitable world.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Senge makes a rational and passionate case forfor revolution in business to integrate social, ecological and business systems. He provides compelling examples for some of the world's largest companies who already making strides toward sustainable strategies and practices. He also explains the tools and strategies that individuals at any level can use to motivate meaningful change in organizations.

[Samir Dhond · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is a powerful book. People truly do many imaginative things to influence the organization that they choose to work with. It talks about how symbiotic the relationship of people in an organization ought to be. It also sends home a strong message that if you want to survive in these times and ages, we ought to work together. There is so much more power in working together on creating something so very beautiful. I strongly recommend this book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book expanded my understanding of sustainability and fundamentally changed how I viewed large multi-national corporations in terms of social change (I used think they could only do harm). The book is comprehensive, at once terrifying and inspiring. Most importantly though, it is empowering and offers pragmatic suggestions and potential solutions to the social, environmental, and economic crisis of our times.

[Arturs Alsins · Rating 2 out of 5]

For such a powerful title I was expecting a bit more radical changes being proposed throughout the book. This might be a good learning material for someone in a large corporation rather than an environmental enthusiast although everyone can take away some useful bits and peaces of knowledge. I found it a little repetitive as well.

[Shani Aloni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book for anybody who's interested in sustainability work

The book is still relevant despite the fact that many things have changed in the decade since it was published.
The only down side of this book is its length. It was a challenge to complete it, especially since about half way into the book its main ideas are clear and the rest is in some way a repetition.

[Jinnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm listening to this on audio. The content is GREAT! Unfortunately, the reader is a snooze-and-a-half. There's also no cues at the end of each cd to let you know it's time to change them, so it just loops (on my car system), which is annoying.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senge provides an overview of systems thinking and addresses the importance of sustainability and how organizations should incorporate this concept. Another key point the text brings out is that of economic justice, which is at the heart of sustainability.

[Sebastian · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Anders dan alle andere boeken van Peter Senge. Interessant om te lezen als het gaat om de feiten van de noodzakelijkheid van duurzaam ondernemen. Minder interessant omdat het geen echte handreikingen doet."

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha. The book about really doing something about social injustice. Maybe a little too positive for most grumpy anarcho types but what have they ever contributed anyways? This book is for those who are not afraid to use their power for good.

[Rita Buffone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting and informative read. Although it focuses on businesses, it provided much insight on what we need to do to make some very important changes to the way we work as a society. There were also many interesting factoids about environmentalism that I can use to on people. :)

[Amy Gu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I look at the world around me - how the Industrial Revolution and business today permeates all aspects of our lives and thinking, and how that's destroying our earth. But the book was also so inspiring in terms of what we can do and how we can work together. Amazing read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline - shows how a growing number of corporations and NGOs are taking the lead to promote sustainability.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I am greatly inspired by this book. Interested in creating a sustainable world? Interested in people of extremely diverse backgrounds and concerns finding common ground? Read this book!