Broken Windows Broken Business: How the Smallest Remedies Reap the Biggest Rewards
Click here to read an excerpt from Broken Windows, Broken Business The "broken windows" theory, first put forth by criminologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in a piece called "Broken Windows" in the Atlantic Monthly magazine in March 1982, explains what a broken window is in criminal justice terms. But the brilliance of that theory goes much further than one interpretation. It can and should be applied to business, too, and it can make a critical difference- if American businesses will simply take the time and have the courage to notice. When Wilson and Kelling first unveiled the theory, the idea of concentrating on seemingly petty criminal acts like graffiti or purse snatching seemed absurd: How would a crackdown on jaywalking lead to a decrease in murders? The broken windows theory states that something as small and innocuous as a broken window does in fact send a signal to those who pass by every day. If it is left broken, the owner of the building isn't paying attention or doesn't care. That means more serious infractions- theft, defacement; violent crime- might be condoned in this area as well. At best, it signals that no one is watching. This seminal book is about "broken windows" in business: how they happen, why they happen, why they are ignored, and the fatal consequences that can result from their being allowed to go unchecked. It is meant as a cautionary tale, a primer, a road map, a manifesto, and a salute to those companies that fix their broken windows promptly. Even if you don't think that little things don't make a difference, you really should read this book- it may save your business. If you don't run a business but would like to, this can be the road map to your success. Reviews: "Michael Levine's Broken Windows, Broken Business is inspired, impactful and important. The right business message for our time." -Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness |
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