Cambridge Business Association
Corporate Celebration
Book

Corporate Celebration

Play, Purpose, and Profit at Work

Terrence E. Deal and M.K. Key
Berrett-Koehler, 1998
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

This elegantly produced book is authoritatively and beautifully written. It is not - repeat not - a shallow, silly, piece of self-help nonsense. Backed by plenty of research and the professional and academic expertise of its authors, Terrence E. Deal & M.K. Key, the book takes a serious look at the role celebration plays in the success of corporations and other organizations. It also shows you how to plan and implement such events. getAbstract.com recommends this book to leaders and managers of organizations and others interested in the profitable role of celebration in corporate and organizational culture. Now, go party.

Summary

Why Celebrate

Celebration isn’t frivolous - it’s an important part of addressing the major issues in today’s business environment: leadership, purpose, team building, community and even profit. Celebration and fun are linked to the financial bottom line. Since ancient times, ritual and ceremony have played an important role in all kinds of human organizations. In business they play an equally vital role, from recognition, triumphs and tragedies to transitions, product launches and community outreach. Celebrations have psychological benefits and can revitalize the workplace (and ultimately profits) in this era of restructuring, reengineering and downsizing. The seven types of celebration are:

  1. Cyclical celebration
  2. Recognition ceremonies
  3. Celebrations of triumph
  4. Rituals of comfort and letting go
  5. Succession rites
  6. Altruistic celebration
  7. Play

Corporate celebration can be spontaneous or meticulously planned and implemented. The important thing is that you have them. Research shows that celebrations are a beneficial part of corporate culture...

About the Authors

Terrence E. Deal, Ph.D., an author, teacher and consultant, has written 17 books, including the best-selling Corporate Cultures He has taught at Harvard and Stanford, and currently teaches at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. M.K. Key, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical-community psychologist, an organizational development specialist, a writer and trainer, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University.

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