Decoding the Workplace: 50 Keys to Understanding People in Organizations

This highly readable career development book reveals dynamic aspects of the workplace that are hidden to many, ignored by others—factors that can make or break careers.

There are many key questions about work that most individuals never consider. How can workplace norms affect our careers in powerful ways? How do sex-role stereotypes impact our behaviors? When are "teams" not teams? How does organizational culture profoundly affect your workplace? What questions should you ask yourself about your boss? What factors most affect job satisfaction and success?

Decoding the Workplace: 50 Keys to Understanding People in Organizations is a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand the workplace and become more effective and successful. Written by a former management consultant to the U.S. Air Force and a professor and organizational behavior scholar, this definitive work explains many of the dynamics at play in our organizations. Beyond being informative, insightful, and beneficial to any employee, regardless of job status or experience, it is highly readable, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

Features
• Provides easy-to-read information that allows readers to better understand the workplace around them, the behavior of others, and even themselves
• Discusses 50 keys for unlocking the workplace and illustrates key concepts through dozens of stories and practical examples
• Presents insights grounded in what management scholars know about human behavior, management, and the workplace
• Offers proven advice that can help readers be more effective, regardless of what stage they are in their careers

"Decoding the Workplace: 50 Keys to Understanding People in Organizations is as informed and informative a read as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking.... An absolute 'must' for community, corporate, and academic library Business Management Studies collections, Decoding the Workplace should be considered critically important reading for anyone working in a corporate environment." Midwest Book Review

"[A] thoroughly 'user friendly' career development instructional guide.... Simply stated, Decoding the Workplace should be a part of ever MBA program as a curriculum supplement and would prove to be of practical and valuable instruction for anyone seeking to advance their career in a highly competitive corporate environment. Very strongly recommended for community, corporate, and academic library Business Management and Jobs/Careers reference collections." Wisconsin Bookwatch

"Sound advice for interacting with others at work. Ballard covers a lot of territory, addressing such issues as the differences between people, working in groups, organizational structure and culture, how leaders gain power and influence, job satisfaction, and the meaning of work.... [S]ome of his observations...are sure to be eye-opening, particularly for younger workers...sure to be helpful to managers and lower-level workers alike. Astute and keenly observed business advice, yet down-to-earth in its use of real-world workplace examples and everyday language." Kirkus Reviews

How do dynamic aspects of your workplace—hidden to many, ignored by others—affect your success on the job and in your career?

John Ballard, PhD, is professor of management at Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH. In 2013, Cincy magazine honored him as one of Cincinnati's Outstanding Educators. His website is www.johnballardphd.com.