The Dilbert Principle.

Scott Adams

Physical

Available

The creator of Dilbert, the fastest-growing comic strip in the nation (syndicated in nearly 1000 newspapers), takes a look at corporate America in all its glorious lunacy. Lavishly illustrated with Dilbert strips, these hilarious essays on incompetent bosses, management fads, bewildering technological changes and so much more, will make anyone who has ever worked in an office laugh out loud in recognition.

The Dilbert Principle: The most ineffective workers will be systematically moved to the place where they can do the least damage — management.

Since 1989, Scott Adams has been illustrating this principle each day, lampooning the corporate world through Dilbert, his enormously popular comic strip. In Dilbert, the potato-shaped, abuse-absorbing hero of the strip, Adams has given voice to the millions of Americans buffeted by the many adversities of the workplace.

Now he takes the next step, attacking corporate culture head-on in this lighthearted series of essays. Packed with more than 100 hilarious cartoons, these 25 chapters explore the zeitgeist of ever-changing management trends, overbearing egos, management incompetence, bottomless bureaucracies, petrifying performance reviews, three-hour meetings, the confusion of the information superhighway and more. With sharp eyes, and an even sharper wit, Adams exposes -- and skewers -- the bizarre absurdities of everyday corporate life. Readers will be convinced that he must be spying on their bosses, The Dilbert Principle rings so true!

What will you learn from this book

  1. Incompetence in Management: Adams humorously highlights the prevalence of incompetent managers within corporate settings. He explores the idea that often, those who rise to leadership positions may not necessarily be the most competent or skilled individuals.

  2. Hierarchy and Bureaucracy: The book satirizes the bureaucratic nature of many organizations. It illustrates how hierarchies often stifle innovation and productivity, creating red tape and inefficiencies.

  3. The 'Peter Principle': Adams references the 'Peter Principle,' which suggests that employees tend to be promoted to their level of incompetence. In other words, people get promoted until they reach a position where they're no longer competent, leading to a workforce where many are ill-suited for their roles.

  4. Office Politics: It delves into the politics that often dominate office environments, where personal agendas, power struggles, and favoritism can influence decisions more than competence or merit.

  5. Satirical Take on Corporate Culture: Through the character of Dilbert and his colleagues, Adams offers a satirical portrayal of the absurdities and contradictions within corporate culture, including meetings that accomplish little, meaningless jargon, and convoluted processes.

  6. Cynical View of Work: The book presents a somewhat cynical view of work life, suggesting that many corporate environments are filled with mindless tasks, inefficiencies, and illogical decision-making.

  7. Emphasis on Humor and Entertainment: While critiquing corporate life, "The Dilbert Principle" primarily aims to entertain. Its humor comes from the exaggeration and caricature of common workplace situations.

  8. Reflection of Real Corporate Dynamics: Despite its comedic nature, the book often reflects real issues prevalent in corporate settings, making readers reflect on the dysfunction that can exist within organizations.

  9. Individual vs. Systemic Issues: It delineates between individual incompetence and systemic issues within organizations. While it pokes fun at individuals, it also highlights the structural problems that contribute to dysfunction.

  10. Popularity and Reception: The book gained popularity for its relatable portrayal of corporate life, resonating with many employees who saw their own workplace experiences reflected in the comic strips.

Language English
ISBN-10 0-7522-2470-0
ISBN-13 9780887308581
No of pages 336
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harper business
Published Date 24 Apr 1997

About Author

Author : Scott Adams

37 Books

Related Books