Clout - by E Bolland (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

There is one major factor that explains business actions that has thus far escaped thorough exploration. That factor is clout, or as it is more broadly understood, power. Those with clout in the business organizations make the decisions and influence what the business does. Yet the origins and uses of clout are hidden. Everyone wants to know more about this inner world as clout is still largely unrecognized in studies of corporate culture. With Clout, the first researched-based book on the topic, Bolland fills this void. He systematically analyses the subject and answers the many questions about this aspect of business life, including exploring what organization clout is, how it has evolved, how it is manifested, how it is used and how it relates to other aspects of business organizations. Readers will be able to apply findings to their own career, and students will gain a tested framework for understanding the importance of this subject.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Bolland has written a very interesting and valuable book on the power in the workplace. His insights into the types of power and the evolution of power go beyond merely reflecting on the current thinking on power to understanding how the use and types of power are evolving. And perhaps most importantly, Dr. Bolland does not just examine this from the academic view, but rather, he examines power in terms of its real impact in the workplace. These insights are valuable and important for anyone who is already in a position of power, or who hopes to someday be in a position of power. Whether you are a student, leader, manager, or follower understanding power and its many uses is vital to your success, and this book is required reading in the path to gaining that understanding."-Edward Crowley, CEO of Photizo Group"Dr. Bolland, in this book, makes a significant contribution to understanding of the use and impact of power in the corporate setting. With his insights, we can better know who has power and influence, how that power is exercised, and the impact it has on an organization. We are used to believing that the culture, for example, comes from the top, but that's not always so. Power elsewhere in an organization can isolate the top executive and make him or her irrelevant. Think Fastow's and Skilling's impacts on Enron while Kenneth Lay was attending charitable events. As Dr. Bolland points out, there are many sources of power, and an ambitious young executive should understand and utilize them. The greatest and best impact that an executive can have on an organization is to put able and tireless people who share his or her values in key positions. The collective power, however individually acquired, is multiplied."-James Barr, former CEO of TDS Telecom

About the Author

Eric Bolland is Assistant Professor of Business at Viterbo College in LaCrosse Wisconsin.