Forming the Future: Lessons from the Saturn Corporation

By Jack O'Toole

Book Overview

The first complete account of the outstanding success behind the Saturn Corporation. What was the real purpose behind General Motor's decision to design a new product that could compete in a market controlled by the Japanese? This remarkable success story written by one of the ninety-nine founders of Saturn describes how a new and innovative auto maker was conceived during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the American auto industry. Jack O'Toole as a leading representative of the United Auto Workers union tells a remarkable story on how management and union adopted a competitive model that ultimately produced a quality automobile. Throughout this book the author describes how change can transform impossible dreams into reality. The reader is not only exposed to these lessons but how leadership is determined in a competitive environment. This unique account is a daring look at a true American success story. It is long overdue yet this is only the beginning.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1557868360
• ISBN13: 9781557868367
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Valuable "peak inside" at Saturn formulation & early days

Jack O'Toole relays an engaging discourse on the Saturn in the early "project" days. Though his perspective and stories may not contribute much in the way of meaningful insight for use at other firms hoping to emulate the pathway to success taken by Saturn (management, teams, marketing) it is invaluable in understanding the shift in mindset which resulted from Labor working with Management to define the rules of the game. For this reason, I give it a GREAT rating. It's a fantastic contrast to RivetHead-- another look at GM from the "inside"-- albeit, from a line worker's perspective. The two books are a great combination read to understand the issues that exist in transforming past US manufacturing practices and environments.

Tells The Truth About How an Experiment Turned Into Reality

Historically accurate. This book tells the behind-the-scenes events which formed Saturn Corporation, one of the best collaborative efforts by labor and management to date. Also gives insight into the problems that confront mentalities and human character that resist change. - Frank J. Sherosky, Author of "Perfecting Corporate Character"