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| The Knowledge Activist's Handbook |
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Victor Newman's Knowledge Activist's Handbook is far and away the best "knowledge management" book I have read in a long time. I say this despite the fact that I had to overlook the author's periodic snide remarks about things he regards as too alternative for the business world and the fact that he works for a pharmaceutical company. Newman has a very sharp mind, which he applies to a set of superb deconstructions of the sacred cows and wasteful habits of the field. For example, he argues persuasively that it's far more useful to look at how to nurture knowledge creation, rather than think of knowledge as some sort of asset to be managed. Every bit of analysis is also accompanied by practical questions that can be immediately applied.
Posted: 3/9/05; 1:41:12 PM # |
| The Culture of Fear |
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Originally published in 1999, Barry Glassner's book The Culture of Fear is more relevant than ever. The book explores the wide gulf between what people fear and what is actually dangerous to them. One of the classic examples is the way people are afraid of strangers abducting children, whereas nearly all abuse is perpetrated by people known to the child. The sad thing to me is how many public policies, not to mention how many nonprofit organizations, are founded upon and even reinforce the false fears. It's easy to get votes and money for programs that are based upon these fears, but I think both are shameful acts. I would recommend this book to any funder, or even a wise individual donor, who is remotely concerned with the effectiveness of their contributions.
Posted: 3/9/05; 1:33:05 PM # |
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