The following is an analytical book review of Collins’ and Porras’ Built to Last.
Jim Collins is a prolific researcher, writer, and teacher of enduring great companies. He graduated from Stanford University with degrees in business administration and mathematical sciences. He also used to research and teach at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Jerry I. Porras is the Lane Professor of Organizational Behavior, Emeritus, at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Like Collins, he is also interested in the characteristics of visionary companies, especially focusing in on the organizational components. He received his BSEE from Texas Western College, his MBA from Cornell University, and his Ph.D from the University of California.
The authors have two primary objectives: to develop a conceptual framework based on the common dynamics and characteristics of highly visionary companies, and to effectively communicate these concepts so that they are useful to others (Location 459). In doing this, they discovered that all visionary companies have a core ideology, an unrelenting drive for progress, and an organizational structure to preserve the core and stimulate progress (Location 4974). The specific methods that companies use to implement those requirements may change and are the topics in part two of the book.
This book is separated into three sections. Chapters one to four outline the research questions and underlying principles for the book: be a clock builder, embrace the “Genius of the AND,” preserve the core and stimulate progress, and seek consistent alignment (Location 4993). Chapters five to nine describe specific methods that visionary companies used to preserve the core and stimulate progress, while not claiming to be the only methods that work: Big hairy audacious goals, a cult-like culture, trying a lot of stuff and keeping what works, home-grown management, and that good enough never is. Chapters ten to the epilogue summarizes the book and separates the major concepts from the minor ones.
This book is definitely a must-read for all leaders and managers, whether you are in the non-profit or for-profit spheres. I give this book a 5 out of 5.