James McCalman Knihy

The inspirational account of Scottish missionary John G. Paton's pioneering work among cannibals in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu).

The book explores the development of high-performance work systems in various American and European companies, with a detailed case study of Digital Equipment Corporation's UK manufacturing plant. It examines how these systems have been tailored to address challenges in the workplace, highlighting innovative practices and strategies that contribute to organizational success. Through this analysis, the text provides valuable insights into effective management and operational efficiency in a competitive environment.

Focusing on cultural transformation within organizations, this book integrates academic theory with practical strategies. It highlights essential components necessary for fostering an effective cultural shift, providing insights that can be applied in real-world settings. By combining research with actionable advice, it serves as a valuable resource for leaders and practitioners aiming to implement meaningful change in their organizational culture.

Originally published in 1989. Management styles in developed western countries are undergoing a crisis phase. Increased levels of international competition and volatile trading conditions are creating new demands of job skills and responsibilities. The management challenge is to find work organization and employment strategies that sustain and develop employee performance and commitment. This book analyses the 'high performance work systems' that a number of American and European companies have evolved to meet this challenge. It particular, it describes in detail the experiences of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) at their UK manufacturing plant. This study not only illustrates the benefits of new forms of work organization, it also explores some important myths, notably that technical and organizational changes can produce 'effortless excellence'. It also provides practical management guidelines for the effective application of high performance work design.