Chapter 8. Three Live Case Studies

Three Important Organizations in Trouble

This chapter is controversial for at least three reasons:

  1. It is about some of the most powerful and important organizations of our time.
  2. It argues that these organizations are headed downward on the lifecycle curve.
  3. It suggests what these organizations could do and should not do.

How on earth do I believe I have the knowledge, the background, or the position to tell such organizations to fundamentally change their business? Who do you think you are, critics will say?

I don’t buy the argument that constructive criticism can and should only come from people in authoritative positions. The organizations I challenge are all vastly important for our societies; they have crucial ...

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