Cult of the Mouse: Can We Stop Corporate Greed from Killing Innovation in America?

Rating:
Summary: A biz book from a creative person's perspective.
Review: As a recent college grad just starting out in the business world, I've
been reading a lot of business books lately.

I really liked this book because it's written by a creative person who's
been-there/done-that. I haven't found any other books from that
perspective, and it seems appropriate to get advice from a creative guy
about what it takes to push a new idea through the system.

This book helped me to view a clearer path to the top, and explains how
success may come in more unconventional packages than many of the
Fortune 500 steer beginners to believe. This paradigm shift just may
separate the work horses from the leaders/innovators.

I recommend it because I not only got a lot out of it, but it was also a
fun and easy read.

Rating:
Summary: The value of good ideas!
Review: Caroselli has written an interesting but somewhat rambling treatise on the concept that creativity has taken place to a short sighted look at the bottom line in American business. He uses Disney as the shining example of a solid creative concept turned bad.

It is an impassioned book from someone who has obviously been there.

Rating:
Summary: Look Out for the Idea Killers!
Review: The author's dead-on with his thesis. More than ever before, America's economic future depends on unleashing the creativity and innovation of it's people. We'd probably all agree with this statement. Even so, American corporations can't connect the dots between encouraging creativity and long-term economic profits. Conformist, rational thinking is often more highly valued than inspired creativity.

In an easy-to read style, the author does an excellent job describing the situation in one company (Disney) which should be at the pinnacle of creativity but suffers from a focus on short-term profits and top-down thought control. Sadly, the corporate cult references apply to most large companies today.

While anyone who invests in Disney stock or happens to be a Disney fan will find the insider commentary interesting, this is more than your typical business book. The author's successful career in advertising means he has some keen insights to share concerning the American consumer. He points out that we are also partly to blame, suggesting steps we can all take to battle the "fluff" and marketing tricks that constantly bombard us.