Myths of Work: The Stereotypes and Assumptions Holding Your Organization Back

by Ian MacRae, Adrian Furnham

Takes a fascinating and readable approach to debunking the most pervasive myths about work and the workplace to help you get the most out of your organization.

192 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 28, 2017

Reviews

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book that breaks down some of the myths, stereotypes, assumptions and just plain-old BS that can be holding a company back, making your life a misery and much more besides. It is a book to be consulted, whether you believe your company (and your sanity perhaps) is in need or not.

In all 27 different claims are put to the test and debunked, with justification, references, case studies, caveats and clearly focussed language. Myths such as that working from home reduces productivity, a sustainable workplace is a burden, and women are not as competitive as men are brought up. Of course, in some situations and with some employees you will find the claim is justified: not everybody is necessarily suited to home-working, not everybody is competitive and so on, but it is far from a black-and-white binary situation as many will have you believe. This was a very enjoyable book, worthy of reading even if you already have debunked some of the claims or have different experiences from the real-world. Pleasurable even, but not in a sadomasochistic sense.

It is clearly written and with good humour, as well as featuring a clear authority, so it is harder to automatically write-off as being nonsense. It is worth a sequential read and even then, from time-to-time, a further dip back to refresh any sagging memories. The chapters are nice and short, without compromising the overall quality, so you are getting a lot of value in a few pages. You won’t complain about its price either!

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively short, this book was a really easy read. Some of the ideas seemed a little common sense to me (not every office should emulate Google) but there are some that I know aren't as common sense for others (listening to music at work? Horrors!). One I hadn't heard this specifically: We only use 10 per cent of our brain at work (I had heard the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain, but ony at work). The chapters end with references and further reading that looks interesting.

[Shaun Palm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the myths were things I didn't even realise were myths, but there were still a couple of myths (such as 'mindfulness is the solution to everything') that challenged some of my per-concieved notions. Most of all each myth was short and sharp.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For anyone interested in organizational development and culture, there's nothing surprising here -- and, consequently, little to use to convince anyone who still may think the myths therein are myths. Too long for a quick read, not thorough enough to be persuasive.

[Yasemin Ozturk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title captures the attention of potential readers who might enjoy business and organizational stuff. However, the content is not much founded on scientific research as I expected. Easy to read but not inspiring.