Book Titles

Hierarchy represents an effort to solve the universal twin problems of coordination and cooperation faced by any social group.

…hierarchy is an unbeatable machine when it comes to coordinating a flow of activities at the lowest cost. Hierarchy is an instrument of efficiency rather than the opposite.

Without full knowledge of the available options and the ability to make sure you always get what you think you paid for, you might go home unsatisfied.

…few people like to be monitored, controlled, and sanctioned.

…the executive defines the company’s purpose and objectives, giving everyone a sense of direction and adding meaning to work.

A manager must convince employees that what they are doing is meaningful and appreciated.

…hierarchy is by no means a panacea for every problem that an organization faces. Still, it is there for a reason: it helps get activities coordinated and people cooperating.

…a large part of corporate performance is driven by luck.

Leaving luck aside, superior financial performance can also be driven by the company’s particular industry or market.

Modular systems are more robust against outside disturbances than nonmodular ones.