ABSTRACT

This book from Meredith Belbin, the UK's leading expert on teams, takes the reader on a different and fascinating journey. His insightful analysis takes us from the faults of typical hierarchies to the new world of restructured, flatter organizations where new sets of problems are emerging.

In the search for alternative systems, Belbin outlines ways in which continuous deployment and career development can result in more effective use of people's talents. He describes the world of the higher social insects where evolution has generated a common set of principles governing organizations at their most advanced. He then suggests that these integrated strengths could be combined effectively with the strategic abilities of humans.

A model in the form of the helix, is foreseen in which individuals and teams move forward on the basis of excellence rather than function. Here information technology can assist in the evolution of human organizations to enable them to become both more complex and more viable in the future.

chapter |7 pages

1 In search of the future

chapter |6 pages

2 The faltering organization

chapter |9 pages

3 The problem with Mr Big

chapter |10 pages

4 Lessons from a diminutive masterclass

chapter |7 pages

6 Replacing traditional hierarchy

chapter |8 pages

7 An alternative way of arranging work

chapter |8 pages

8 Teams communicate with teams

chapter |6 pages

9 Employing the highly talented

chapter |7 pages

10 The culture and the organization

chapter |7 pages

11 Strategic leadership comes of age

chapter |12 pages

12 The organization of public affairs

chapter |8 pages

13 Forces making for change

chapter |12 pages

14 The evolution of common shape