Shaping the Adaptive Organization: Landscapes, Learning, and Leadership in Volatile Times

AORN Journal, Oct, 2004 by Nancy L. Bedison

William E. Fulmer 2000, 294 pp $29.95 hardcover

According to this book, organizational survival is based on the ability to adapt; therefore, people must be willing to change. The author is well versed in this area, having conducted extensive research and consulted in fast-changing organizations.

The author describes an unpredictable, uncertain economy that is accurate but not really new, especially in health care. Survival is accomplished by challenging old ways of doing things and looking at the whole picture, not just past experiences, to create an adaptive organization. The author provides hope that organizations can adapt and survive in today's turbulent environment.

Although the book is directed at the business world, its lessons certainly are applicable to health care organizations. The author emphasizes the idea that all companies face uncertainty and chaos, and they must constantly reexamine organizational goals and actions. He reminds managers to set goals and then get out of the way, which is excellent advice.

According to the author, it is okay to ignore the rules to survive. The key is adaptability. Readers are encouraged to think differently about the world and to see it as it really is, from a different, broader perspective. The author suggests that readers should travel outside their normal routes to see what others are doing to adapt.

This book is well organized, easy to follow, and logical. The best audience for this book is seasoned administrators, business educators, and managers and directors who have a leadership background.

This book is available from AMACOM, 1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.

NANCY L. BEDISON

RN, BSN, MS, CNOR

SURGICAL DIRECTOR

EAST LIVERPOOL CITY HOSPITAL

EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO