Car Launch: The Human Side of Managing Change Book

Car Launch: The Human Side of Managing Change is the first book in the new Oxford Series, The Learning History Library. It is edited by Art Kleiner and George Roth, both of whom originated the concept of the learning history. These extended "living" case studies use an innovative format based on "the jointly told tale" to help narrate the story of major intra-firm transitions. The learning history succeeds in balancing traditional research, with pragmatic imperatives and powerful imagery.

Car Launch: The Human Side of Managing Change explores the turmoil occurring in the automobile industry and shows how one company was able to succeed dramatically, even while facing the rigors of open opposition. Told in the words of the people who were there, with commentary by the authors and other observers, this document was first commissioned by the firm (AutoCo) to help production teams learn from each other across organizational boundaries. It also provides an "insider" look at relationships between subordinates and bosses. This story will be of interest to any individual who is, or will be, engaged in transformation work and who wants to improve development and manufacturing operations.

Car Launch: The Human Side of Managing Change and other learning histories will ultimately prepare individuals for similar experiences in their own firms.