Product Description

Although much as been written about how to make better decisions, a decision by itself changes nothing. The big problem facing managers and their organizations today is one of implementation--how to get things done in a timely and effective way. Problems of implementation are really issues of how to influence behavior, change the course of events, overcome resistance, and get people to do things they would not otherwise do. In a word, power. Managing With Power provides an in-depth look at the role of power and influence in organizations. Pfeffer shows convincingly that its effective use is an essential component of strong leadership. With vivid examples, he makes a compelling case for the necessity of power in mobilizing the political support and resources to get things done in any organization. He provides an intriguing look at the personal attributes--such as flexibility, stamina, and a high tolerance for conflict--and the structural factors--such as control of resources, access to information, and formal authority--that can help managers advance organizational goals and achieve individual success.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39492 in Books
• Published on: 1994-02
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 391 pages

Book Info
Identifies how power is used and mis-used to achieve personal and organizational goals. Author provides an in-depth and fascinating look at the role of power and influence in organizations. Paper. Decision-making.

About the Author
Jeffrey Pfeffer is Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. He is the author or co-author of 11 books, and a monthly column in Business 2.0.

Customer Reviews

Eye opener
Good book that provides insight into how to diagnose and use power in an organization. Good for politics and business.

Older but still very relevant
Although much of the research described in this book was conducted some years ago, the conclusions are still very relevant. Pfeffer writes well, & the book is very readable. He also goes beyond the research at times to furnish the reader with suggestions that can be very useful for anyone who is part of an organization of any type. Power is a very real phenomenon, & members of organizations (and who isn't?) need to understand how it works & how to deal with it.

A classic, in the HBR style
This book is a must-have for any manager's bookshelf. It delves into a topic cited widely in management literature, but seldom covered in depth.

Frameworks for describing and explaining power in business are suggested, with numerous illustrations.

My only disappointments with the book are (a) the lack of empirical generalisations as a basis for the framework (in the HBR style, anecdote counts more than empirical generalision) and (b) the absence of practical advice on what to do with the framework.

Nevertheless, this is still a unique contribution to a very important subject and it is highly recommended.