Making the grades

Article Abstract:

A fictional case that involves the development of a staff appraisal system without amending the complicated wage payment structure was created. In the imaginary story, the human resources (HR) manager of a computer company was tasked by the general manager to install an evaluation system. However, the rating form that attained a 95% return rate at his former employer, an oil company, managed to chalk up a discouraging 10% response rate only. Based on the case, it is proven that a particular HR management style is not always applicable to every industry, much less to every company. Also, appraisal systems will not work if the starting conditions are already unfavorable, as exemplified by the absence of a clearly defined goal and a sense of organizational urgency. Moreover, interviewing subordinates should be considered as an alternative to written appraisal. Lastly, commitment from top management should be guaranteed to avoid resistance to appraisal systems.

Methods, Human resource management, Employee performance appraisals, Performance appraisals

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Turning a book into an industry, or, how to make an Excellent living

Article Abstract:

In Search of Excellence, a book on successful management techniques by Thomas Peters and Robert Waterman, has spawned an entire industry based on presentations by Peters to organizations, trade shows and management seminars. Peters is able to mesmerize his audience with his 'excellent' speaking skills, reminiscent of the best of the media evangelists, and it is this that has propelled In Search of Excellence from just another management how-to book into an industry in and of itself. Critics point out that the book tends to restate the obvious, but they also indicate that this is not such a bad thing since the obvious appears to need restating. Still, it is primarily the zeal and speaking ability of Peters that allows the book's impact to spread far beyond the best-seller's list.

Management science, Marketing, Books, Peters, Thomas J., Authorship, Executive ability, Bibliography, In Search of Excellence (book)

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The Maltese Falcon of lateral thinking

Article Abstract:

European writer and lecturer Edward de Bono popularized the concept of 'lateral thinking' 20 years ago, and still addresses business audiences, produces books, and leads seminars on how thinking laterally can result in commercial opportunities. His seminars in European cities are often under the sponsorship of Management Center Europe. De Bono sees himself as a 'thinker about thinking' whose work is partially enveloped in psychology, linguistics, and information theory. He has published 27, and these have been translated into 21 languages. His 'The Use of Lateral Thinking' has been reprinted 13 times by Penguin publishers.

Analysis, Officials and employees, Business writing, de Bono, Edward, Management Centre Europe

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