Book Analysis using Organizational Behavior Concepts/Theories
MGT 307 J
Fall 2012
Book Review
Due Dates: Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Spend some time reviewing the book list and try to select a book which would really interest you. Most of these are the types of contemporary business books excellent for reading throughout your career. You will be asked to sign up for the book you wish to read. No more than six students may sign up for any one book – though this is somewhat flexible since I want you to read a book you are interested in.
A written book review will be due on the day of the class discussion for that book. The date will be assigned randomly.
Book Review will include:
A. Introduction and brief overview of the book.
B. Application to organizational behavior concepts/theories. This section will be the bulk of the paper and will include a research component. Research one of the topics/premises set forth in the book. Analyze the book based on sound research. Are the premises set forth in the book reliable and based on sound research or are the ideas based on the author’s opinions? If research was presented in the book was it accurate or skewed. Use critical thinking skills – much of what is written in popular literature is not empirically factual. If you read a book that highlights a leader you should analyze the leadership style based on concepts learned in class, for example, poer and influence or ethical behavior.
You must have a minimum of three professional articles to base your analysis on. Appropriate citations are needed.
C. How will the book impact you in the workplace (or everyday life)? What is the practical value?
D. Conclusion and whether or not you would you recommend this book to others?
MGT 307 is considered writing intensive course. Therefore, the paper should be well written. You will be graded on content, style and grammar. Use citations where appropriate (minimum of 3 outside professional sources.). (Approximate length – 5-6 pages.)
Book Discussions – Be prepared to discuss your book on the assigned date. This is NOT a formal presentation but rather an informal discussion of the book – similar to a book club. The audience will be free to ask questions and will be encouraged to do so. Each discussion will last roughly 15-20 minutes.
Book Review – Reading List
Carnegie, Dale. (1937). How to Win Friends & Influence People. New Yourk: Simon
and Shuster (This refers to the reissue edition November 3, 2009 but you may use ANY edition.) (One of the best known and earliest books on motivation and influence in history.)
Colvin, Geoff. (2008). Talent is Overrated. New York: Penguin Group. (The
conventional wisdom about “the natural” is a myth. The real path to great
performance is a personal choice. The question is how bad you want it.)
Gargiulo, Terrence L. (2005). The Strategic Use of Stories in Organizational
Communication and Language. Armonk, New York: M. E. Sharp. (Understand
the needs of others and the need for them to understand you.)
Gilbert, Matthew. (2002). Communication Miracles at Work: Effective Tools and Tips
for Getting the Most from Your Work Relationships. Berkeley, California: Conari Press. (Communication skills that can help you improve relationships with coworkers, managers, and clients.)
Gladwell, Malcolm. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. New York: Little, Brown
and Company. (Seeks to disabuse us of the notion that genius and greatness are predominantly a function of innate ability and IQ.)
Goleman, Daniel. (1994). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.
New York: Bantam Books. (Report from the frontiers of psychology and
neuroscience offers startling insight into our “two minds”—the rational and the emotional—and how they together shape our destiny. Through vivid examples, Goleman delineates the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships, work, and even our physical well-being.)
Greene, Robert. (200) The 48 Laws of Power. New York: Penguin Books. (A
synthesis of timeless philosophies as applied in real-life situations by powerful figures in history. Subtle art of game playing.)
Isaacson, Walter. (2011). Steve Jobs. New York: Simon & Schuster. (Biography of
Steve Jobs. Best selling book of the year.)
Littman, Jonathan, and Hershon, Marc. (2009). I Hate People. New York: Little Brown.
(We hate people who play fovorites, people who make rules, people who don’t give others a break. You know who were talking about.)
McWhorter Sember, and Sember, Terrence J. (2009). Bad Apples. Avon, MA: Adams
Business. (A bad apple is bad for everyone, whether he causes an emotional drain on resources, or negatively affects the company’s bottom line.)
Moss Kanter, Rosabeth. (2009). Supercorp: How Vanguard Companies Create
Innovation. New York: Crown Business. (Promotes the idea of socially conscious business by pointing to businesses that are helping society through their everyday practices.)
Rao, Srikumar S. (2010). Happiness at Work: Be Resilient, Motivated, and Successful –
No Matter What. New York: McGraw Hill. (In these tough times, there are few people who are completely happy with the current conditions. From business executives to the everyday Joe or Jane, everyone seems to be going through a rough economic and personal crunch. Author shows that we can learn to create joy no matter what else may be going on around us.)
Russell, Gary. (2005). Big Rocks: Balancing Life and Work. Levittown, New York:
Lifestyle Publishing. (Told through a parable.)
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