My Read of the Month:
Title:The Horizontal Organization : What the Organization of the Future Actually Looks Like and How it Delivers Value to Customers
Author: Frank Ostroff
Published: 1999
Genre: Business Leadership & Management
Ratings: 
In my opinion, the adoption of horizontal organisation is very much lacking in today’s organisations. Most are still operating in the vertical approach which may also be referred to as the hierarchical approach.
According to the author, this (vertical) can be observed by how important information might get loss as knowledge travels up and down multiple levels across departments which focuses more on functional goals rather than an outward-looking proposition on delivering value and winning people. Another shortcoming of this would be the stifling of creativity and initiative at lower levels.
I find this a helpful read to understand what organisations must do to see true transformation: (1) Top-down, (2) down-up and (3) aligning and streamlining of core processes to meet organisational value proposition. And the horizontal approach concept releases and empowers people by giving them the tools, skills, motiviation and authority to make decisions essential to the team’s performance.
Though overall this is a good book with credible case studies, it can be a bit technical and dry. But still are must-read if you enjoy leadership or management matters and understand how to build an organisation that will be able to respond swiftly and effectively to market forces and trends in remaining competitive and relevant.
Who should read it: For management/CEO level or for those keen to learn more about management like me =p
Andrew: Inside & Insights 