This collection of 15 articles reprinted from HBR, the first in a series, reflects growing concern with the impact of human relations on the smooth running of business organizations. The important topic of communication is examined from a number of perspectives. Specific aspects of the topic handled in this collection include the importance of developing sharp and accurate listening skills, the benefits to be gained by acknowledging conflicts in human values, methods for diagnosing and resolving nonproductive interdepartmental conflicts, and the use of T-groups as a means of improving organizational effectiveness.

This volume also features articles representing diverse viewpoints on the controversial issue of implementing human relations theory within an organizational framework. For executives, this collection includes provocative discussions of democratic leadership and methods for increasing employee motivation and for determining the limits and extent of employee responsibility. An HBR Classic published originally in 1945 and currently regarded as a landmark human relations article is included in this volume along with the retrospective commentary provided by the author.

Table of contents:



* The fateful process of Mr. A talking to Mr. B by Wendell Johnson

* Understanding leadership by W.C.H. Prentice

* Unhuman organizations by Harold J. Leavitt

* The Human dillemmas of leadership by Abraham Zaleznik

* Toward a more effective enterprise by Robert L. Katz

* Praise reappraised by Richard E. Farson

* Whose fault was it?

* Diagnosing interdepartmental conflict by John A. Seiler

* Conflicts in human values by Robert N. McMurry

* The interpersonal underworld by William C. Schutz

* T-groups for organizational effectiveness by Chris Argyris

* Who are your motivated workers ? by M. Scott Myers

* Making cost control work by Rensis Likert and Stanley E. Seashore

* The foreman : master and victim of double talk by F.J. Roethlisberger

* Barriers and gateways to communication by Carl R. Rogers and F.J. Roethlisberger