Description
Literally hundreds of books have been written for introductory management courses. As the body of material comprising the theory, research, and practice of management has grown and expanded, textbook authors have continued to mirror this expansion of material in their books. Writers have understood the importance of adding new material about traditional topics, such as planning and organizing, while simultaneously adding coverage of emerging newer topics, such as sustainability, ethics, and social media. As a by-product of this trend, our general survey textbooks have grown longer and longer, making it increasingly difficult to cover all the material in one course.
Another trend in management education is a focus on teaching in a broader context— that is, introductory management courses are increasingly being taught with less emphasis on theory alone and more emphasis on application of concepts. Teaching students how to apply management concepts successfully often involves focusing more on skills development and the human side of the organization. This trend requires that textbooks cover theoretical concepts within a flexible framework that enables instructors to make use of interactive tools such as case studies, exercises, and projects. It also dictates that a text be as relevant to students as possible. Hence, while this book draws examples and cases from older large firms like Ford, IBM, and Nissan, it also makes extensive use of newer firms such as Google, Netflix, Facebook, Starbucks, Urban Outfitters, and others.
This textbook represents a synthesis of these trends toward a more manageable and practical approach. By combining concise text discussion, standard pedagogical tools, lively and current content, an emphasis on organizational behavior, and exciting skills development material, Fundamentals of Management answers the need for a new approach to management education. This book provides almost limitless flexibility, a solid foundation of knowledge-based material, and an action-oriented learning dimension unique in the field. Indeed, over half a million students were introduced to the field of management using the first seven editions of this book. This eighth edition builds solidly on the successes of the earlier editions.
Brief Contents
Preface xxi
Acknowledgments xxv
PART 1 An Introduction to Management
CHAPTER 1 Understanding the Manager’s Job 1
CHAPTER 2 The Environments of Organizations and Managers 34
PART 2 Planning
CHAPTER 3 Planning and Strategic Management 65
CHAPTER 4 Managing Decision Making 98
CHAPTER 5 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management 127
PART 3 Organizing
CHAPTER 6 Organization Structure and Design 159
CHAPTER 7 Organization Change and Innovation 191
CHAPTER 8 Managing Human Resources in Organizations 223
PART 4 Leading
CHAPTER 9 Basic Elements of Individual Behavior in Organizations 260
CHAPTER 10 Managing Employee Motivation and Performance 292
CHAPTER 11 Leadership and Influence Processes 326
CHAPTER 12 Communication in Organizations 361
CHAPTER 13 Managing Work Groups and Teams 391
PART 5 Controlling
CHAPTER 14 Basic Elements of Control 424
CHAPTER 15 Managing Operations, Quality, and Productivity 456
Appendix: Interpretations of Skills Self-Assessment Instruments 490
Name Index 502
Organization and Product Index 505
Subject Index 510