The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management

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Summary: Before there was Dilbert, there was the Abilene Paradox
Review: Before Dilbert broke ground focusing attention on the (mis)adventures of people in corporate management and the workplace, Jerry Harvey had used his own brand of southern humor to point out the absolute absurdity of life in the boardroom, the bedroom, and a few places in beteen. The Abilene Paradox is a relatively short and often humerous book, but it is not always easy to read. The book is filled with powerful lessons; many told from the author's unique and highly personal perspective. Jerry Harvey's dry wit bites harder than Dogbert ever could. If you have the courage to draw a line in the sand and stop the proverbial bus from taking a trip no one wants to take, then read the book. If you don't, then read the comics.

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Summary: Wonderful advice, coming and going
Review: The Abilene Paradox... has been one of my favorite books for many years. Whenever I read it, I find something of value in it for whatever challenges I am facing in my work. Plus, it's just fun to read. The first essay (the actual Abilene Paradox) should be required reading for anyone who wonders why groups do stupid things. And the last essay (on teaching future managers to cheat) should be required reading for anyone who wonders how one simple change could make a huge difference in business education, making it more relevant and more solidly ethically based. Everything in between these two essays is worth, reading, too.

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Summary: Useful Advice, but have You Read Management by Vice?
Review: This book is chock full of useful advice on organizational behavior at both the personal and business levels. The clear, fun style of addressing business/management ethics was a useful and enjoyable read in our courses. As far as recommending other similar 5-star reading materials, there is only one other book,which I enjoyed so much. In fact, I would say it is a must-read for anyone interested in organizational behavior. The recently published book is entitled, "MANAGEMENT BY VICE" (by C.B. Don). It is a hilarious satire, but each wit-filled episode addresses a multitude of "vices" at the core of counterproductive corporate cultures and established high-tech organizations. It was fun to see how many we could find as part of our MBA course! Just like Dr. Harvey, the author of "Management by Vice" is a Ph.D. specialist with lots of experience, but the candid insights come from interactions between technical ranks with their management staff within the closed high-tech R&D world. To get the most complete understanding of organizational behavior at all levels we read both the "Abilene Paradox" followed up with "Management by Vice"! Great MBA lessons all around!

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Summary: Probably the best book available on organizational ethics
Review: When I first read The Abilene Paradox, I hadn't read many business/management books--I preferred fiction. In my job, I've since read dozens of business titles and I have to say few compare in content or writing style to Dr. Harvey's classic. None have the sense of humor, the appreciation of the absurd, that Harvey has. And none have the soul, compassion, and wisdom of Harvey. I hope Dr. Harvey publishes again soon.