Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business as Usual

In this thought-provoking business book, Burkus, an associate professor of management at Oral Roberts University, asserts that many historical management practices are no longer relevant in today's workplace. In easily readable chapters, he challenges conventional thinking and offers "redesigned management tools," writing that they may "seem odd compared to business as usual, but the truth is that business isn't usual anymore." Burkus outlines the techniques some companies have introduced to lower stress and increase productivity, such as eliminating internal email, prioritizing employees over customers, allowing unlimited vacation time and employee-designed workspaces, and even doing away with bosses. He adds credibility to his suggestions with examples of leading companies such as Netflix, Starbucks, and Wegmans that have embraced management innovation. Berkus admits that the practices and policies profiled here won't work for everyone, but he intends the book's case studies to provide "validation for leaders everywhere to start experimenting." Managers looking for ways to engage their workforces and improve productivity will find Burkus's work a helpful guide. (Mar.)