The Coming Shape of Organization

The Coming Shape of Organization 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.

1. In search of the future
2. The faltering organization
3. The problem with Mr Big
4. Lessons from a diminutive masterclass
5. Concurrent versus sequential decision-making
6. Replacing traditional hierarchy
7. An alternative way of arranging work
8. Teams communicate with teams
9. Employing the highly talented
10. The culture and the organization
11. Strategic leadership comes of age
12. The organization of public affairs
13. Forces making for change
14. The evolution of common shape

• Epilogue
• Appendix 1: Exercises
• Appendix 2: The nine team roles
• Further reading

Belbin is always good, even when he tries to play Handy, like in this book.