Jerry B. Harvey is professor of management science at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and
author of the widely used McGraw-Hill management development film "The Abilene Paradox."
Review
"Harvey's meditations are a joy. They are the most exquisite essays on management that I've read in over
a decade. In fact, this is the only book about management that I've really loved." --Warren Bennis, coauthor
of Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge and author of Why Leaders Can't Lead|"Jerry Harvey has become
a legend in his own time with the success of The Abilene Paradox--a principle of group behavior that has application
in corporations, government, academia, and family alike. Now he takes aim at a host of other sacred organizational
norms and, in succession, dismantles each. You'll smile at his insight and laugh at his wit."
--Kenneth H. Blanchard, coauthor of The One-Minute Manager
Submitted by Publisher, March, 2001
Summary
Faulty decision-making can have dire consequences, and when it comes to group decisions, the challenges are
even greater. Join Dr. Jerry B. Harvey as he clearly illustrates why no organization wants to find themselves goin?
to Abilene.
See how group dynamics can keep individuals from stating their true beliefs for fear of isolation and separation,
and how that often leads to mismanaged agreement.
You?ll learn to recognize the warning signs of risky group dynamics and improve decision-making processes throughout
your organization.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
The Abilene Paradox: The Management of Agreement.
Organizations as Phrog Farms.
Management and the Myth of Abraham; or, Go Plant a Cabbage on God's Behalf.