Rational Leadership: Developing and Redeveloping Corporations

Rational leadership inspires confidence by capably using appropriate rational means, as described in the first edition of Rational Leadership. Now a second, updated edition has added eight new chapters and has looked at redevelopment as well as development. The book highlights these two important versions of rational leadership, where a rational leader is either developing or redeveloping a business corporation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Rational leadership is a powerful approach that instills confidence by employing appropriate rational means, as outlined in the first edition of Rational Leadership. This influential book has now been updated in a second edition, which includes eight new chapters and explores both redevelopment and development. The book highlights two crucial aspects of rational leadership: either developing or redeveloping a business corporation.

In Part One, the authors present eight compelling cases of rational leaders who have created iconic corporations. These best-practice leaders include renowned figures such as Sam Walton of Walmart, Meg Whitman of eBay, and Jeff Bezos of Amazon. Each of these leaders employed a combination of adaptive, calculative, and deliberative methods to nurture and grow their respective corporations.

Part Two of the book shifts the focus from development to redevelopment. Here, the authors present five classic cases of rational leaders who have successfully remediated and renewed problematic corporations. These leaders include industry giants like Lou Gerstner of IBM and Steve Jobs of Apple. In each case, the leaders utilized appropriate organizational tools to transform, reorient, or hybridize the corporation, leading to significant improvements and growth.

In addition to these main cases, the authors offer supplementary cases of other rational leaders who have either developed or redeveloped a corporation. These leaders include prominent figures such as Sheryl Sandberg, Marcel Dassault, Giorgio Armani, Anita Roddick, Satya Nadella, Carly Fiorina, Marissa Mayer, and Jack Welch. Together, they provide a comprehensive and diverse range of examples of rational leadership in action.

The majority of these case studies are based on the memoirs and firsthand accounts of the leaders themselves, which have been validated by additional biographical and historical sources. The book offers a rich and insightful perspective on rational leadership, providing valuable insights and strategies for leaders seeking to create positive change and drive success in their organizations.

In conclusion, Rational Leadership: Developing or Redeveloping a Business Corporation is a must-read for anyone interested in leadership, management, and organizational development. It offers a comprehensive and practical guide to rational leadership, showcasing the achievements of exceptional leaders and providing valuable insights into the strategies and techniques that can lead to long-term success.

Weight: 768g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198894643
Edition number: 2 Revised edition