Book Review - Managing Chaos and Complexity in Government

Managing Chaos and Complexity in Government: A New Paradigm for Managing Change, Innovation, and Organizational Renewal
L. Douglas Kiel
JF 1525 .C74 K54 1994

Kiel puts forward a new strategy for managing change in Government organizations. By studying the way that numerous government employees spent their time, he noticed both patterns and considerable unpredictability, much like those observed in the science of chaos theory. Here, he applies the same chaos theory to government organizations, arguing that it will better allow for flexibility, change, and continuous improvement. He begins with a description of government work environments today, focusing on the need for improved performance. He then depicts the changes that occur in government organizations and explains how difficult many of them are to manage. He puts forward his new view of government organizations, examining the patterns existing within the apparent chaos and suggesting how these might be managed and directed to improve organizational performance. Finally, he offers advice on how to create a "self-organizing government organization," and suggests the benefits and lessons that this offers for managers.

Book Review - Survival of the Savvy

Survival of the Savvy: High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success
Rick Brandon and Marty Seldman
HF 5386.5 .B73 2004

This is a book about office politics. The authors do not apologize for this reality, but instead provide tools for individuals to find their way through the web of reputations, influence and deception to succeed both personally and organizationally. The first part of the book describe the characteristics of political styles often found in the workplace, reveal the risks inherent in both styles, and counsel how to find balance using the right mix of traits and skills. The second part is a handbook of individual skills and tactics . These chapters show individuals how to develop behaviors and awarenesses that will help them improve their survival in the politicized workplace. The third part is aimed at leaders to help them better detect deception and scheming and to locate hidden pockets of power. Finally, the fourth part teaches these leaders how to build teams that have trust and savvy, and to use these networks to improve the position of the company.

Book Review - Choosing the Lesser Evil

Choosing the Lesser Evil: Understanding Decision Making in Humanitarian Aid NGOs
Liesbet Heyse
HV 553 .H49 2006

Heyse hopes to shed some light on the processes that non-Governmental organizations with humanitarian aid missions use. Her work is structured around two case studies: one organization which uses a medical perspective to providing humanitarian aid, and a second organization which has religious leanings and motivations behind its aid mission. Heyse begins with an overview of how the two organizations differently prioritize the aid missions that they select to become involved with. She puts forward several theoretical models of organizational decision-making and behavior, placing these broadly in the context of NGOs. She then examines both organizations in turn, teasing out their decision-making processes, work patterns, and organizational priorities. Finally, she compares the organizations directly, determining how they exemplify the theoretical models posited at the outset. This book may help to understand the sometimes competing priorities of NGOs and why outcomes of humanitarian aid and peacekeeping efforts may not measure up to organizational intentions.