Hidden Assets: Harnessing the Power of Informal Networks

Based on his diverse personal experiences and two decades of interdisciplinary research, Dr. Ehin unveils the mysteries and shows the practicality of tapping into the ever evolving, yet extraordinarily powerful, informal networks present in all social groups. What this book reveals is the extraordinarily dynamic and tight linkage between three hidden organizational success factors responsible for most work accomplished in both for profit and nonprofit ventures, especially in the development of new innovations. The book shows why in a knowledge economy it is essential to design organizations that facilitate the fundamental collaborative and creative qualities of human nature rather than unconsciously suppressing them. In doing so, it is made obvious why most mergers and change efforts fail and the reasons why an average employee only works at two-thirds of his/her capacity.This work clearly demonstrates how smart institutions can harness, rather than manage, these invisible emergent forces and in the process avoid the dismal record of past organizational transformation initiatives. Hidden Assets is a must read not only for top executives, knowledge professionals, and organizational scholars, but for everyone associated with private, public, or voluntary social institutions.

Review :
"Charles Ehin offers us a visionary guide into novel organizational forms and the opportunities they present for innovators. This is a wake-up call, challenging our most basic assumptions about management of organizations. His timing is perfect: loosen the hierarchy...harness democracy...think not of employees, but of partners. This is a book packed with insights and wisdom. Leadership would be well served to incorporate its lessons into the new networked business world of today." (Peter A. Gloor, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar, MIT Center for Coordination Science)"Finally, a real breakthrough in management theory and philosophy. In Hidden Assets Ehin breaks the mold of current management thinking and presents a comprehensive and practical framework specifically designed for the knowledge economy." (Chris Tomecek, President, Bank of New York Separate Accounts Division) "Where was all of this when I needed it??? Over 40 years of management knowledge, experience, and tools packed into one book! What an incredible jump-start into a management career found in one quick-read work!" (Peter F. Gerity, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, New Mexico Tech) "Ehins enlightening book presents a compelling evolutionary argument about the fundamentals of human nature and demonstrates how best to manage 21st Century organizations where knowledge is the key factor for success. Finally, a book with practical implications showing how to leverage the power of  invisible social networks where most of the work is accomplished in the first place." (Steven O. Laing, Ed.D., Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction)