Authority

By Eugene Kennedy and Sarah C. Charles

Book Overview

An antidote to the widespread discontent that characterizes our daily lives, this passionate work reinvigorates the concept of authority--as an affirmation of our duty to teach and nurture the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684836653
• ISBN13: 9780684836652
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

The Erosion of Trust

Kennedy and Charles present a view of how trust has been eroded in American society. This leads to difficulties in many areas of our lives: marriage, family, religion, the professions. The authors contrast authority with authoritarianism. This lack of trust (stemming from the Vietnam years, in my opinion) results in traditional authority being degraded. Thus, unhealthy situations are created as use of authority is somehow a violation of one's rights. Through the internet, information is more readily available, flattening corporate heirarchy. These changes are difficult for some. The authors give anecdotal examples in the various areas mentioned above.The one difficulty with the book is the abrupt ending. The summary of the book is the introduction and first chapter. As a manager/leader, the book heightens awareness of the need to build trust and not appear to co-workers as authoritarian.