Perfecting Corporate Character: Insightful Lessons for 21st Century Organizations

Customer Reviews:

Important Message and Worth the Effort.......2004-06-11

Sherosky argues that corporations, like people, have a character and a soul and a set of values--and that molding toward humanistic values and away from those driven by greed is a central mandate for our time. Written well before the 2002-03 round of business scandals, it seems eerily prescient, if a bit dated in places.

A brief excerpt:

"...this whole corporate concept is still somewhat of an enigma. Governments do not know how to deal with it because legally there is this illusion of a lack of the human element. We never sat in conversation that the 'people within corporation X' did something. We just say that 'X did this or that'. We point to a collective entity as a singular, impersonal unit despite the fact that living human beings push the buttons... "Profit is not a sin, but it is the real motive and charter of corporate entities. In order to obtain a profit, those within the structure not only produce products and services, but legally hide if improprieties are used to garner the profit. Corporate structures become havens for profiteers with unscrupulous character.

"Since the corporate entity is not traditionally looked upon as a person, there appears a sense of inhumanity that is truly frightening.

"It explains how oil spills, price fixing and product failures can be treated so cold[ly] that human emotions appear missing. This inhuman quality, although a legal safeguard, is also a key ingredient to all business failures and bad press." (pp.67-68)

While the book is somewhat densely written and could have benefited by a good edit, his message is important and worth the effort.

The Bottom Line !.......2002-03-22

With the recent bombshell of the Enron failure, it is becoming increasingly apparent that somethings are amiss in Corporate America. Those "somethings" are explored in this revealing expose' by Sherosky, a veteran himself of corporate structures both large and small. Vince Lombardi, legendary football coach of the Green Bay Packers once said, "winning isn't everything, its the only thing". This attitude has permeated the corporate world - nothing else matters except the "bottom line". Whether a company is a good citizen, or a concerned employer, or environmentaly conscientious has no relevance! Greed is god. Sherosky shows how this manageent philosophy is leaving a lot of money on the table. He counsels that attention to character and virtue in the market place and the workplace would result in ever-growing profits for consumer, employer and employee. If we continue the business practices of the past into the 21st century we will continue to reap the same disfunctional results. This book shows how that can be avoided. Must reading for the progressive and enlightened citizen.

Thought-provoking.......2002-03-19

As a Professional Career Coach for women, I can see that the author has obviously spent a great deal of time thinking and researching his work. This is not your usual 'corporate strategy' book -- rather it is a work in progress. Sherosky has brought into focus the main issues between corporate success and spiritual happiness. Does one have to lose one to gain the other -- not according to the author. I agree. You can have both. His chapter on "Tapping the Power of Gender Teamwork" is one of the reasons I recommend his book to my clients. I recommend any professional, seeking a better understanding of the corporate world to read this book.

Must reading for everyone who works!.......1997-08-01

Character is a quality issue, too. Integral to every business process, human nature is the greatest shaping force of corporate performance. Insightful lessons of this book promotes a deeper understanding of human nature; and teaches how to positively contribute toward perfecting total organizational quality. Audience: * Working Personnel of all levels, Managers, Union Leaders * Self-Help: Individual and Organizational Training Reading Advantanges: * Author's 28 years includes Saturn Corps. Launch Team * Exceptional insight into the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of human, organizational character development * Challenges the hot issues of teamwork, diversities of race, gender, position and empowerment

Book Description

Two of the greatest myths about investment are, firstly, that financial assets and markets are hideously complicated and confusing, and secondly that you have to pay 'experts' to make far greater returns on your money than you could achieve on your own. In truth the most important things you need to know about investing are based on common sense.

The Financial Times Guide to Investing will introduce you to the practical art of investing, and show you how to invest more successfully, whether you are actively involved in investing or simply thinking about it.

In addition to providing a simple guide to understanding how financial markets operate, it will allow you to follow and act on your own judgments based on a case studies and worked examples, giving you the expertise to experiment successfully with shares, bonds, funds and derivatives. Comprehensive and authoritative, this is the definitive guidebook to building your personal financial portfolio and investing in the financial markets with skill and confidence.

Book Description

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1888 edition by Max Niemeyer, Halle.

Book Description

As currently practiced, agricultural biotechnology is largely oriented to the needs and economies of the developed world. To be of benefit to small-scale farmers in developing countries, technologies need to be appropriate, both taking into account the prevailing conditions and making the best use of local resources. This book addresses a number of issues related to these problems. In particular it examines the concern that projects undertaken in research facilities far distant from the farmer may have little impact on small-scale agriculture in developing countries, and if so, how project proposals should be assessed to remedy this situation. A second key theme of the book is to consider how information exchange can be enhanced in order to give higher priority to small-scale agriculture in biotechnology research policies. The book should therefore be of immediate concern to policy-makers in government, donor organizations, non-governmental organizations, industry and research organizations concerned with biotechnology in the Third World.

Book Description

Quantum theory is one the most important and successful theories of modern physical science. It has been estimated that its principles form the basis for about 30 per cent of the world's manufacturing economy. This is all the more remarkable because quantum theory is a theory that nobody
understands. The meaning of Quantum Theory introduces science students to the theory's fundamental conceptual and philosophical problems, and the basis of its non-understandability. It does this with the barest minimum of jargon and very little mathematics in the main text. Readers wishing to delve
more deeply into the theory's mathematical subtleties can do so in an extended series of appendices. The book brings the reader up to date with the results of new experimental tests of quantum weirdness and reviews the latest thinking on alternative interpretations, the frontiers of quantum
cosmology, quantum gravity and potential application of this weirdness in computing, cryptography and teleportation.

Customer Reviews:

A light on Uncertainty.......2006-03-19

This was just the tonic I needed to get past the perceived barrier of mystery surrounding micro physics. Jim Baggott writing is clear and the subject is well organized. I feel I am no longer ignorant of this amazing field.

Book Description

A professional reference for physicists working in condensed matter physics as well as in nuclear physics and astrophysics, on Landau's theory of Fermi liquids--a vital theory of both theoretical and practical use. The emphasis is on the practical development and application of the theory.

Book Description

From the author of the classic City of Night comes a captivating, wickedly entertaining novel in which an irrepressible young hero is set loose in the religious-fundamentalist world of Texas, the gambling palaces of Las Vegas, and the enticing mythos of Los Angeles

The internationally renowned novelist recently described by Gore Vidal as "one of the few original writers of the last century" re-creates himself yet again with a witty bildungsroman that pays homage to the classic eighteenth-century picaresque. Loosely inspired by Fielding's Tom Jones, it sends the charming, handsome Lyle Clemens on an adventure from fundamentalist Texas to the contemporary wilderness of Los Angeles.

Raised in Texas, the son of a Miss America aspirant and an unknown father, Lyle Clemens approaches adulthood and notices that everyone wants him to be something he's not. His beautiful mother wants to make him into the cowboy who abandoned her; a group of avaricious fundamentalists plot to convert him into "the Lord's Cowboy"; and the lovely Maria wants him to fulfill her varying fantasies of "true love." When Lyle leaves home to make his own destiny, he encounters a gallery of charlatans and wistful souls, quirky gamblers, dreamy showgirls, wily pornographers, and fake magicians; and is seduced into an aging starlet's mad comeback scheme during a rambunctious Academy Awards ceremony. Through it all, Lyle becomes himself. The Life and Adventures of Lyle Clemens is a hilarious, bittersweet, and wise book that establishes once again John Rechy's great storytelling gifts.

Customer Reviews:

DISAPPOINTING.......2005-08-23

I was more than disappointed with this book. When I bought the book, I was anticipating an adventure that would touch the libido and soul. Unfortunately this did not happen. The story, told in vignettes, moves along reasonably quickly, however, there seems to be a lack of substance. Lyle Clemens II, the intrepid hero, negotiates a life full of strife, misfortune, good fortune, enlightenment, yada, yada, yada. None of his so-called adventures "spoke" to this reader. I normally enjoy Rechy's work, but this effort fell flat.

Critics: The Apes of Apes, and the 2 cents of one.......2004-05-04

I picked this book up when it first hit the book stores, and devoured it in a single reading (something I haven't done since reading Madame Bovary). I've never written a review on Amazon before, but felt somewhat compelled to do so by the New York Times flap, which demonstrated to me that Rechy is a thousand times more honest, self-aware and has a much better sense of humor than all of the hypocritical authors (never mind "professional" critics) who were alluded to, but apparently didn't have the spine to own up to their own creative doings on Amazon. So, in case any one is still reading this: this book is masterful, emotional without being sentimental. Rechy renders situations in a way that are at once heart-breaking and hilarious. The aging Hollywood actress who is able to use her imagination to turn each bit of humiliating news into, if not triumph, then at least hope; the nouvelle-riche porn producer's wife who frets about vulgarity-- the book is comprised of high adventure and wonderful characters. I think that what I liked most about this book is that Rechy never makes fun of or patronizes his characters the way, I think, a lesser writer might. As a result, the characterizations are rich, and I was completely lost in the characters' desires and pipedreams. Buy this book!

A book to fall asleep.......2004-03-11

It's boring and cursory.
Save your money; Save your time and read something else
It's not one of the author's best.

Hands Down, One of the Year's Very Best.......2004-02-24

A beautifully written story that will go down as one of the author's best. The tale of the lovable Lyle Clemens is not only funny but incredibly touching. The ending is sublime. Fans of Rechy and those who have never read a word of his work are in for a real treat.

LYLE IS VERY ENTERTAINING --- A Must Read.......2004-02-19

After all the hullabaloos in the NY Times over authors writing their own reviews, because of the comments of Rechy, I picked up this book over the weekend and couldn't put it down. Curiosity got the best of me. The book is hilarious. I enjoyed every minute. I recall reading Rechy's excellent but dark CITY OF NIGHT. This is such a contrast. It is humorous yet touching, proving Rechy's strong virtuosity as a topflight novelist. It is story telling at its best - a bewitching wickedly entertaining tome in which an irrepressible young hero is set loose in the "born again" world of Texas, the clubs of Las Vegas, and then on to the seductive allure of crazed filled Los Angeles. Finely written, a very good read, highly recommended and I'm pleased to rediscover this excellent writer.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating, well done translations.......2005-06-21

This volume catalogs a wide range of documents from twenty-two years of Fort Orange's records. The documents are clearly translated with useful notes (including notes on the translation) and excellent indices. The records show deeds transferring property, documents relating to debts of people associated with the settlement, and official (often quasi-official) correspondence. The indices are very useful, and the editor makes a number of useful comments on possible name variations.

I would very highly recommend this as educational source material for students learning how to use primary material. Also good for people doing genealogical work.

Customer Reviews:

A pictorial history.......2001-11-30

Without this great book, we would have no fantastic collection of the faces of jews that have impacted New Jersey's history. I was mesmorized-staring into faces long gone-storefronts of jewish businesses which are now completley different shops. I especially liked reading about the young Jews at the New Jersey Shore. This fantastic book makes people living in New Jersey realize that the jews they see walking around have deep histories; many rooted in the holocaust, all certiantly impacted by it. A brilliant and beautiful pictorial history of the Jews living in New Jersey and their geneality.

Jewish New Jersey in Vintage Photographs

Average customer rating:

Jewish New Jersey in Vintage Photographs
Oscar Israelowitz
Manufacturer: Israelowitz Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Jewish South Jersey (NJ) (Images of America)

Average customer rating:

Jewish South Jersey (NJ) (Images of America)
Leonard F. Vernon , and Allen Meyers
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Initial Jewish settlements in South Jersey emerged in the mid-19th century and offered a safe haven for people to re-create strong families and practice religion freely, without fear of government-sponsored violence. Looking for work, German Jews first migrated from their community in Philadelphia to Trenton, and then spread south to Wildwood. Although Jewish settlers were mainly known as merchants and shop owners, many towns also boast the development of the Jewish farmer. While agriculture would eventually be abandoned in favor of manufacturing, there were many extremely successful and historically significant Jewish farms that flourished in the south. Now, of course, people of the Hebrew faith are productive players in every walk of life. Jewish South Jersey touches on the many contributions made by Jewish people in the southern part of the Garden State.

Jews of Morris County (NJ) (Images of America)

Average customer rating:

Jews of Morris County (NJ) (Images of America)
Linda B. Forgosh
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Jewish settlers began arriving in Morris County as far back as the Civil War. These early Jews settled in Morristown, a market town; Dover, a mining town located on the Morris Canal; and the farming towns of Pine Brook and Mount Freedom. When each of these communities had 10 adult males, the minimum number for religious services, they established Hebrew schools, synagogues, and congregational cemeteries and made Morris County their home. Morristown and Dover Jews were prosperous merchants with heavily populated Jewish business districts located on Speedwell Avenue and Blackwell Street. Stories of live chickens hanging in the kosher butcher's window and fish swimming in glass pools reflect this bygone era. Nearby Pine Brook and Mount Freedom Jews, not able to make a living as farmers, opened summer boarding houses and grew thriving full-service kosher hotels that rivaled New York's Catskill resorts.

Customer Reviews:

This is the British edition.......2006-09-11

Amazon doesn't carry this book, and it is only available through third parties. Don't be fooled (as I was) into thinking that this means that this book is out of print!

In the US, this book is available directly from Amazon as "The Real Eve: Modern Man's Journey Out of Africa." Judging from the TOC, the books are the same, but the American edition is cheaper and will probably arrive faster.

An exciting piecing together of a genetic puzzle.......2005-09-17

Oppenheimer's work is a masterpiece of breathtaking scope. He handles the many aspects of the migration of human genes in a masterful, entertaining, exciting and, above all, immensely informative way. He takes a huge puzzle and puts together the pieces in a coherent and convincing manner. He paints a very compelling picture of the timing and the routing of the movement of humans to populate every corner of the world and presents hypotheses for phenotypic differences between peoples. Anthropologists may quibble with some minor details, as did I, but these do not detract from what I have to call the majesty of the subject matter. His book successfully links genetic data with archeological evidence and, above all, with climatological data to plot the routes taken by our ancestors. I highly recommend this book.

Knowledgeable, but inaccessible.......2005-02-02

I have had a fair amount of experience reading complicated literature, and enjoy following a clear, tightly reasoned argument, but this book is just too hard to follow. The author has not managed to provide an accessible account Man's prehistory. He gives us a degree of detail more appropriate for a scientific treatise. He has a fascinating story to tell, and I hope that he will eventually provide a more readable book.

Book Description

The eighth book in a collection of works on the natural world by Cemex Corporation of Monterey, Mexico. Celebration of The Land illustrates thirteen of the planet's eco-regions deemed outstanding.

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