One from Many: Visa and the Rise of Chaordic Organization

by Dee Hock

Book Overview

Far more than a riveting inside story of the creation of VISA--now the largest commercial enterprise on earth-- One from Many is an absorbing story of personal and institutional transformation. Lyrical, profound, often humorous, it explores the ever-increasing change, complex societal problems, and failing institutions that confront us all. Dee Hock chronicles the emergence of a new form of organization that blends chaos and order, which may be critical...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576753328
• ISBN13: 9781576753323
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A must read

If you are in a position of leadership in a company you should read this book. It is absolutely incredible what they did. They were truly before their time. I believe this is the way of the new business world and if you are rooted in the old ways you will need to understand this philosophy or start planning your retirement.

One from Three

If, lets imagine, the library of Management Literature would be destoyed tomorrow, there's three treasured books I hope will be preserved somewhere, safe and sound. This is one of them. Dee Hock's book transmits an extraordinary passion for human growth, organisational transition and hope for a better future. Why are organisations increasingly unable to manage their affairs? Why are individuals increasingly in conflict with the organisations of which they are part? Why are society and the biosphere increasingly in disarray? The answers (please do not expect to receive simple ones) to these questions spring from a powerful vision of what makes us humans both passionate and creative. A vision that has inspired the creation of VISA. Dee Hock has been recognised as one of the eight individuals who most changed the way people live in the previous quarter century. I really hope this book will have equal impact on how we manage our lives and businesses. Essential reading. No, it would not, by the way, be usefull to hand you the two other titles I hope wouldn't be lost... Just read this one and enjoy!

Readable and relevant

Dee Hock is not only a great story teller but also a "future teller". The history of his incredible involvement with the rise of VISA only sets the stage for a fascinating look at the future as it "might become and ought to be". Very much worth the read for anyone vested with leadership and/or innovation in any organization (which is everyone). The one story not told is how the book was made to come about. After reading of Dee Hocks life experience it seems that it is simply "how it ought to be".