Competitive Advantage Through People: Unleashing the Power of the Workforce

Pfeffer, J.

ISBN 10: 0875844138 / ISBN 13: 9780875844138

Published by Harvard Business School Press, 1994

About this Item

This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,700grams, ISBN:0875844138.

Seller Inventory # 8978089

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Competitive Advantage Through People: Unleashing the Power of the Workforce
• Publisher: Harvard Business School Press
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0875844138
• ISBN 13: 9780875844138
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fair
• Weight: 700 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Business

About this title

Synopsis

Discusses the advantages of having a work force commited to the organization, and discusses common personnel practices that lead to the opposite result

Reviews

In this notable work, Pfeffer ( Managing with Power ) pierces the "sacred veil" of strategic planning theory. Rejecting Michael Porter's acclaimed positions on the overriding significance of competitors, market substitutes, buyers and suppliers, Pfeffer insists that managers cannot rely solely "on technology, patents, or strategic position." Why not? Because "Product life cycles are shortening and new-product introductions are coming much more rapidly." Pfeffer stipulates instead that "people and how we manage them are becoming more important." Expanding on this thesis, he discusses creating detailed procedures for employee training, development and participation in the corporation's life. Augmenting these are considerations of America's labor relations system, total quality management (TQM) procedures and an array of economic principles (specifically, "transaction cost economics" and "presumed efficiency of hierarchy"). Pfeffer, a Stanford Business School professor, has crafted a cogent, impressive business study.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pfeffer brilliantly unravels the social, political, and historical rationalizations that dominate managers' treatment of the work force. After demonstrating how successful firms overcome the counterproductive effects of mismanaging labor, this highly noted author and professor at Stanford University's business school offers practical suggestions for shifting direction, countering resistance, and implementing practices to achieve competitive success through people. A caveat pervades this heavily referenced work: those firms that maintain the delimiting thinking of Frederick Taylor will not succeed. This outstanding work complements Building the Competitive Workforce (Wiley, 1993), edited by Philip H. Mirvis. Highly recommended for business collections, managers, and informed readers.
- J. P. Miller, GSLIS, Simmons Coll., Boston
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.