Ascendant Organisation

PETER D. WICKENS had over 30 years of top executive experience in British, American and Japanese multinationals. Since leaving Nissan in early 1995, Peter had become Professor and President of the Centre for Achievement in Manufacturing and Management at the University of Sunderland. He was also a Vice President of the Institute of Personnel and Development and he wrote, lectured and consulted widely. He was Honorary Professor at Kingston University Business School.

• List of Tables List of Figures Acknowledgements Introduction PART I: KNOWLEDGE The Ascendant Organisation The Fundamentals of Behaviour Japan: Right or Wrong: Conclusions and Beginnings PART II: KNOW-HOW Culture, Vision, Mission: Whatever You Call It Leadership in the Ascendant Organisation Ascendant Behaviour The Processes and Practicalities Beyond TQM: Integrating Quality Customer: Supplier Partnerships Every Worker a Knowledge Worker Recognition and Reward Trade Unions in the Ascendant Organisation Becoming Ascendant The End of the Beginning Appendix: The Japanese Target References Index

'...this book is the Rosetta stone for serious business practitioners. It bridges the superficial journalism on the techniques of our time (e.g. Kaizen, Total Quality Management, cross-functional teams, empowerment, business re-engineering) and the foundational philosophy and operating systems that translate these ideas into action. The author's grounded experience radiates throughout the book and sets it apart from more cursory treatments of consultants and academics.' - Richard T. Pascale'...this remarkable book dispels the myths, answers the critics and points the way forward - towards the Ascendant Organisation. Wise practical advice from one who has done it - don't miss it.' - Daniel T. Jones'...Wickens provides both theoretical and eminently practical guidance to achieving total quality management - the internal ascendancy which creates long-term external success. - Robert Heller