Corporate Witch Doctors: The Most Authoritative Critique of Contemporary Management Gurus and Thinkers

Author: Michael Useem (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Unpacking the thoughts of management gurus—books on management are plentiful, but how many have you truly read? There are countless management theories out there; how many can you name? Gurus are everywhere, but whom should you believe? This book distills management theories from various schools, presenting them in clear and concise language. It interprets and critiques the ideas of these gurus, guiding you to verify the practicality of theories and teaching you how to apply the concepts and success stories of great companies. No need to gulp it down or spend years studying—easily appreciate the gurus' wisdom and apply their high-level strategies.
The book "The Enterprise Charlatans" introduces the history of the field of business management with accessible and fluid writing, while also offering insights into the future. Its content is vast, covering nearly all management theories and the "charlatans" who proposed them, along with critiques. Particularly, the author provides their own perspectives on the historical context in which these theories emerged and the reasons for their rise and fall, offering profound insights. Reading this book not only gives you a bird's-eye view of these figures and theories but also deepens your understanding and reflection on the survival space and development strategies of business management.
This book is a thorough examination of the ecosystem of the global management academia, meticulously exploring an industry worth billions of dollars annually! It is also a review of the evolution of contemporary management classics, from figures like Sloan, Drucker, and Peters to modern renowned gurus such as Hamel, Senge, and Charles Handy. More importantly, it is a guide to dispelling illusions in the business world. If you believe in guru theories but struggle to find the right answers for your own company, this book provides both the reasons and solutions.