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Gods of Management
Book

Gods of Management

The Changing Work of Organizations

Charles Handy
Oxford UP, 1996
First Edition: 1978

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Concrete Examples
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Philosopher Charles Handy compares today’s dominant management styles to the qualities of four mythological Greek gods. Drawing archetypal inspiration from Zeus, Apollo, Athena and Dionysus. Handy breaks down the subtle differences that inform competing approaches to management. He argues that today’s managers face making the transition from a hierarchical corporate Apollonian culture to a more diverse, democratic one. In this evergreen business classic, Handy posits that increased complexity and individualism will fuel a reign of new managerial gods.

Take-Aways

  • The mythological Greek gods embody contemporary management archetypes.
  • Leaders must understand four Greek-god-inspired cultures.
  • Each mythological god has a different approach to changing and managing teams and to setting incentives.

About the Author

Irish philosopher Charles Handy also wrote The Second Curve: Thoughts on Reinventing Society; Understanding Organizations; and Beyond Certainty.

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