Creativity and the Management of Change

According to the author, the premise of the book is 'what they teach at business school' is a base from which you have to develop creative insights to deal with specific tasks. The received wisdom gives insight into the nature of the organizational box; the challenge is to go beyond its boundaries. But skills must be developed to take transcend conventional views. Noting that the study of creativity is one of the most silenced voices in MBA courses, the author begins with an exploration of creativity; this key chapter's subtitle is "the slumbering giant of organizational studies." From there Rickards moves on to a wide spectrum of subjects: marketing and strategy; decision-making; culture and climate; leadership and managerialism; and the management of change. The final two chapters concern postmodernism and economics (ranging from Adam Smith to a new economic paradigm). The book successfully places the study of organization and the traditional business disciplines into a dynamic perspective at the core of which is creativity. The book itself is creative, filled with absorbing insights, and presents a stimulating, personal journey that delves beneath the surface features of the organizational landscape. Thoughtful and filled with meaningful content, this book is a true find for the adventurous mind. Reviewed by Gerry Stern, founder, Stern & Associates, author of Stern's Sourcefinder: The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and the Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder.