Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The success of an organisation usually depends on those working closest to the value-adding end of the business. It is those employees and their immediate leaders, who seem to have the greatest impact on the success of an organization. Interestingly, in liberating people and coping with diminished opportunity for control, the leaders find that productivity goes up, whatever the constraints and uncontrollable variables. Jazz as a metaphor, conjures stability in the tune and uncertainty in the improvisations. The book presents a series of thoughts and conversations between those engaged in organizational life and the seminal authors. It aims to promote organizations that enable people to not only create wealth for shareholders but for society at large and in a way that offers respect and dignity.