“In Search of Excellence” is an international bestselling book written by Tom Peters
and Robert H. Waterman, Jr. First published in 1982 it is one of the biggest selling
and most widely read business books ever, selling 3 million copies in its first four
years, and being the most widely held library book in the United States from 1989 to
2006 (WorldCat data). The book explores the art and science of management used by leading 1980s companies with records of long-term profitability and continuinginnovation.
Peters and Waterman found eight common themes which they argued were
responsible for the success of the chosen corporations. The book devotes one chapter
to each theme.
1. A bias for action, active decision making - 'getting on with it'.
2. Close to the customer - learning from the people served by the business.
3. Autonomy and entrepreneurship - fostering innovation and nurturing
'champions'.
4. Productivity through people- treating rank and file employees as a source of
quality.
5. Hands-on, value-driven - management philosophy that guides everyday
practice - management showing its commitment.
6. Stick to the knitting - stay with the business that you know.
7. Simple form, lean staff - some of the best companies have minimal HQ staff.
8. Simultaneous loose-tight properties - autonomy in shop-floor activities plus
centralized values.
