Why most things fail : evolution, extinction and economics /
Ormerod, Paul,
Why most things fail : evolution, extinction and economics / Paul Ormerod. - First American edition. - xi, 255 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-245) and index.
"Paul Ormerod examines the "Iron Law of Failure" as it applies to business and government - and explains what can be done about it. "Failure is all around us," asserts Ormerod. For every General Electric - still going strong after more than one hundred years - there are dozens of businesses like Central Leather, which was one of the world's largest companies in 1912 but was liquidated in 1952. Ormerod debunks conventional economic theory - that the world economy ticks along in perfect equilibrium according to the best-laid plans of business and government - and delves into the reasons for the failure of brands, entire companies, and public policies. Inspired by recent advances in evolutionary theory and biology, Ormerod illuminates the ways in which companies and policy-setting sectors of government behave much like living organisms: unless they evolve, they die. But he also makes clear how desirable social and economic outcomes may be achieved when individuals, companies and governments adapt in response to the actual behavior and requirements of their customers and constituents."--BOOK JACKET.
0375424059 9780375424052
2005051032
Business failures
Evolution (Biology)
Extinction (Biology)
HG3761 / .O76 2005
330.1
Why most things fail : evolution, extinction and economics / Paul Ormerod. - First American edition. - xi, 255 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-245) and index.
"Paul Ormerod examines the "Iron Law of Failure" as it applies to business and government - and explains what can be done about it. "Failure is all around us," asserts Ormerod. For every General Electric - still going strong after more than one hundred years - there are dozens of businesses like Central Leather, which was one of the world's largest companies in 1912 but was liquidated in 1952. Ormerod debunks conventional economic theory - that the world economy ticks along in perfect equilibrium according to the best-laid plans of business and government - and delves into the reasons for the failure of brands, entire companies, and public policies. Inspired by recent advances in evolutionary theory and biology, Ormerod illuminates the ways in which companies and policy-setting sectors of government behave much like living organisms: unless they evolve, they die. But he also makes clear how desirable social and economic outcomes may be achieved when individuals, companies and governments adapt in response to the actual behavior and requirements of their customers and constituents."--BOOK JACKET.
0375424059 9780375424052
2005051032
Business failures
Evolution (Biology)
Extinction (Biology)
HG3761 / .O76 2005
330.1