The Management Myth
The Management Myth
Matthew Stewart
David Heinemeier Hansson
A funny mix of stories, but it's worth the trip for the historical account of scientific management alone. - DHH
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The Management Myth

The Management Myth: Why the Experts Keep Getting it Wrong

Matthew Stewart
By
Matthew Stewart
4.0
1092
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Management Myth," Matthew Stewart delivers a trenchant and witty analysis of the consulting industry, unraveling the illusion that consultants are the alchemists of the business world. With a philosopher's skepticism and a veteran consultant's insights, Stewart peels back the layers of jargon and pretense that cloak the field of management consultancy. Through a narrative enriched by his own experiences—from his unconventional entry into the world of consulting with a philosophy degree from Oxford to his disillusionment with the industry's practices—Stewart exposes the hollow core at the heart of management theory. His critique is not just of the methodologies that have dominated business thinking from Frederick Taylor to Tom Peters but also of the very notion that management is a science that can be mastered through simplistic formulas and buzzwords. Stewart's prose is sharp and engaging, turning what could have been a dry critique into a compelling read. He not only questions the value consultants bring to businesses but also challenges the reader to think differently about management and leadership. "The Management Myth" is an essential read for anyone entangled in the world of business, offering a fresh perspective that cuts through the noise of conventional wisdom. It's a call to action to reject the empty promises of consultants and to seek genuine innovation and thoughtfulness in business practices. Stewart's book is a rare blend of entertainment, education, and enlightenment—a provocative journey through the smoke and mirrors of modern management consulting.

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Released
2009
10 Aug
Length
343
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

A funny mix of stories, but it's worth the trip for the historical account of scientific management alone. - DHH
The simplest answer is that scientific management fulfilled too many hopes and prayers to be ignored merely on account of its logical and factual deficiencies.
— Matthew Stewart, The Management Myth

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