What people are saying about the f-LAWS books

"The ancient laws of management suck. And in this unique little book, Russ and Sally have a go at assessing them, dismissing them and revealing them for what they are - a hindrance to good business, and something that we can have a good chuckle about."
Dan Germain ~ Head of Creative, innocent drinks

"Long ago, Shakespeare wrote 'The Comedy of Errors.' Now, Russell Ackoff and Herbert Addison, with astute commentary by Sally Bibb, write with compelling wit about the errors found in the usual practice of management. In this aptly labeled tome, 'Management f-LAWS,' using a wonderfully readable style, laced with humor and irony, the three writers skewer many conventional behaviors and practices prevalent in today's management. But do not be deceived, there is much, much more here than the piercing of sacred cows. The book is an instructive gem that should be required reading for anyone interested in effective management."
Sheldon Rovin ~ Emeritus Professor at Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania

"We came to expect thought-provocation and wit from this ground-breaking intellectual and prolific writer whose two most cited and serious academic papers are titled «the future of operational research is past» and «management misinformation systems.» It is fitting that Ackoff once again applies his exceptional gift to reduce complex phenomena to their bare essentials. A life-time of thinking about management and experiencing its arcane rituals is summarized in the form of 80+ f-LAWS, making for very entertaining reading. But make no mistake: this is a fun way of going about serious work. Each of the laws hits hard on common sins of management, and should be taken by the reader very personally as a stimulus to think 'out of the box' about what really matters. Thoughtful commentary by Sally Bibb can be used to jump-start one's own reflections.
Law 45 states that 'all work and no play is a prescription for low quantity and quality of outputs'. I therefore recommend that each corporate meeting start with the collective reading of one f-LAW. Alternatively, the very-busy-executive-with-no-time-left-to-spare could keep this book in the restroom - an important accoutrement of executive life according to f-LAW 22 -- declare reading it to be work, and be proud of adding another few minutes to the productive work-day. Either way, this book is a must."
Dr. Wladimir M. Sachs ~ Affiliate Professor at CERAM Sophia-Antipolis and Visiting Professor at Leiden University School of Management.

"This book offers profound thoughts in digestible bites. It is easy to read and entertaining, yet full of wisdom. How much better our organizations would be if managers could really learn these lessons!"
Michael C Jackson ~ Professor of Management Systems and Dean of Hull University Business School.

"Wit and wisdom in small doses on the deep rooted abuse of hierarchical power. It takes a Russ Ackoff to unveil myths and illusions of this kind."
Göran Carstedt ~ Vice chairman, Learning Lab Denmark and Managing Director, the Society of Organizational Learning (SoL-network), Cambridge, Massachussetts, USA. Formerly President, Volvo Cars and President, Ikea Europe

"Diverse views are a great antidote to blinkered thinking and they can be seen in this book - across the generations, across the Atlantic and across the gender divide. It is a perfect example of complementary dialogue, a resource we ought to see used a lot more in organizations. As long ago as 1993, Russ came up with the idea of a corporate jester. In his column in the journal Systems Practice, he wrote: 'Medieval royal courts had court jesters who unfortunately disappeared even when the courts remained. They should be reincarnated and placed in corporate courts... Corporate jesters must be able to ask questions that others either have not thought of, or dared to ask. In addition, they must be able to provide answers that are not expected, even by the 'kings' before whom they perform.' So, corporate royalty, wherever you are, please read this book, learn its lessons and act on them, if you wish your kingdoms to endure."
Gerard Fairtlough ~ Formerly CEO, Shell Chemicals U.K and CEO, Celltech.

Read A Little Book of f-LAWS: 13 common sins of management free online