Stone-Age Company : Why the Companies We Work for Are Dying and How They Can Be Saved

Hard hitting and focused in its attack, this warning shot of a book stands out with its message that those companies that refuse to change their basic, long-held operating strategies will not survive in the rapidly changing world of work. The business hierarchy that seeks to monitor and control workers' methods and output is outmoded, the text claims, and must be changed even at the risk of hurting those who have always benefited from hierarchical arrangements: the executives and managers. The book further argues that current managing techniques stifle the ability of people and organizations to grow. With innovation and creativity thus inhibited, the days of a company that will not change are numbered. There is a solution, however, and the chapters offer ways to keep talented employees, serve shareholders, and base business practices in growth rather than efficiency and control. A detailed case study puts a real-life spin on the theories and choices explained within the pages, strongly making the case that only companies willing to reenvision themselves now will have a place in tomorrow's business landscape.

Sally Bibb is a director at the Economist Group, where the main focus of her work is to develop ways for the organization to become a customer-centric, creative culture. She has also worked on a number of profit and non-profit projects including advising and facilitating the London International Festival of Theatre''s executive development forum. She has been in the field of personal and organizational development for 18 years and holds a master''s degree in organizational change. Her coauthored book, Trust Matters, was shortlisted for the UK business book of the year awards in 2004.