The Weightless Society

by Charles W. Leadbeater

Charles Leadbeater is an advisor to British officials, a research associate with a public-policy think tank, and a former editor of several respected publications. As such, he's had ample opportunity... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587990016
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Texere
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Tech Entrepreneurs, this book is for you.

Recently I overheard a clueless manager of a local enterprise say that the reason the United States is losing jobs is that services don't create wealth, only manufacturing does. Wrong, our current economy (at least in developed countries) is very much knowledge driven. According to Leadbeater, "most developed countries make money out of thin air: We produce nothing that can be weighed, touched, or easily measured." Think about that for a minute and it'll be as bright as day. Internet services, telephone calls, accounting and legal advice are all examples of modern economic products that are weightless. According to the author, many products are weightless because they're comprised of service, judgment, information, and analysis. As an example, think about something as simple as cell phone ring tones on which consumers worldwide spent $3.5 billion in 2003. Charles Leadbeater has given us a thoughtful and considered look at how the rules of our economy have radically shifted. Consider that the knowledge-creating company of the future will need to embrace eight principles: 1) Cellular Structure 2) Self-Management (especially important to motivated, educated, and ambitious professionals) 3) Entrepreneurship 4) Equity Pay and Membership 5) Deep Knowledge Reservoirs 6) Integration 7) The Holistic Company 8) Collaborative Leadership "Collaboration is the driving force behind creativity. Learning, one of the most basic activities in the knowledge economy, is an essentially social activity: we learn with others and through others..." All in all, The Weightless Society will certainly stimulate your thinking. For technology entrepreneurs, pay special attention to the information throughout the book on dematerialization because the new economy is driven by information. Ultimately we will continue to create more and more with less energy and material. Michael Davis - Editor, Byvation

Excellent high view

One thing you can believe is that this book represents a clear,crisp high view of how the knowledge economy has social implications.I found the book to be a useful addition to my collection. The bookis not a nitty-gritty knowledge management or knowledge capital book.For that go to Stewart's "Intellectual Capital" or Nonaka & Takeuchi's "Knowledge Creating Company." But for asolid overview of the Knowledge Economy this is a great book. Part 1 & 2 succeeds in overviewing the shift to a knowledge perspectiveat the company level giving some rich and original metaphors andexamples. Part three has some excellent new perspectives on networks & intelligent regions. Part four on the Societial implications ofa knowledge economy also plow some new ground, tho some of hisarguments are pretty thin and a tad to US conservative for mypolitical bent. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyonewanting a big picture, especially those who have grown tired of thetrite "10 steps" approach to knowledge management andretreaded announcements that "we are in a new Knowledge era"that seems common to this genre.

Not afraid to think? Read this book.

In a world where too many business books suggest that there are 12 rules or 5 steps to the solution for every problem, it is refreshing to read a book that actually expects the reader to do some of the work. This book is provocative. It challenges conventional wisdom. It asks the reader to think rather than memorize. If you are the least bit predisposed to thinking that our current social and economic systems require massive overhaul rather than minor revisions, this book will allow you to argue that belief far more eloquently.

An inspired view of our time and our future

This book is written from an amazingly human perspective. It provides a view of how as a society, we are on a rocket ship ride with knowledge as our fuel. We and our children will not have to toil in coal mines or risk life and limb on factory floors. We will thrive on creativity, ingenuity and imagination. But instead of feeling more in control, we are feeling a collective anxiety, less control, more uncertain. We feel ludicrously certain (about scientific advances in the mapping of our genetic structure) and beset by doubt (about a welfare system that cannot ensure housing and healthcare for our citizens). Much of this has to do with a lack of self reliance and a need to trust (that computers will work, that brands will keep their promises, that doctors will be healers and not business moguls...)Consider this passage for just a moment..."Collaboration is the driving force behind creativity. Learning, one of the most basic activities in the knowledge economy, is an essentially social activity: we learn with others and through others. Social capital is vital to generate trust and to allow people to take risks. It is through the networks of relationship that underlie social capital that people learn of new ideas and make new contacts. Social capital is not a socially conscious add-on to the market-driven economy; social capital is essential to its working."Charles Leadbeater has given us a thoughtful and considered look at how the rules of our economy have radically shifted and so therefore too must the rules of our social and ecological infrastrucuture. The economy cannot sustain this rocket-like pace without careful consideration of how we will support the people, all people, in our society.

An inspired view of our time and our future

The book is written from an amazingly human perspective. It provides a view of how as a society, we are on a rocket ship ride with knowledge as our fuel. We and our children will not have to toil in coal mines or risk life and limb on factory floors. We will thrive on creativity, ingenuity and imagination. But instead of feeling more in control, we are feeling a collective anxiety, less control, more uncertain. We feel ludicrously certain (about scientific advances in the mapping of our genetic structure) and beset by doubt (about a welfare system that cannot ensure housing and healthcare for our citizens). Much of this has to do with a lack of self reliance and a need to trust (that computers will work, that brands will keep their promises, that doctors will be healers and not business moguls...)Consider this passage for just a moment..."Collaboration is the driving force behind creativity. Learning, one of the most basic activities in the knowledge economy, is an essentially social activity: we learn with others and through others. Social capital if vital to generate trust and to allow people to take risks. It is through the networks of relationship that underlie social capital that people learn of new ideas and make new contacts. Social capital is not a socially conscious add-on to the market-driven economy; social capital is essential to its working."This is only the beginning. The book held my attention till the very last page. I only hope our business and political leaders take the time to read this. You should too!