BOOK REVIEW

PETER DRUCKER (2001) MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY. HARPER BUSINESS, 195 PAGES

Peter Drucker is a living legend in the management world and is considered one of the foremost business writers of his time, a true guru.

As with nearly all his books, Druckers latest offering is succinct and to the point. He rarely seems to accept truisms just because they are generally accepted. He analyzes issues in an often thought provoking and innovative manner that, no matter how many business books you have read, always seems to make you think and question your assumptions.

The sections on knowledge workers and new management paradigms are particularly insightful and often counter intuitive.

He makes it clear that searching for the one right management style or organizational structure is a sure fire road to frustration and that people must be treated as individuals with different needs. Drucker has consistently been ahead of his time, and although there is nothing in this book that seems to be particularly revealing or new, it is filled with insightful analysis and comment that would suit even the most discerning reader who thinks they have read or seen everything.

There is no doubt that employees are an organizations most vital assets and it is astonishing how many organizations say this but don't back up these words with actions. One only need look around Hong Kong to see how people are treated as disposable assets once things turn sour (often because of management decisions). Peter Drucker seems to have long known that such a situation is untenable and those responsible for management must take a long hard look at what they do.