Small is beautiful--but how small is small, and what practical steps can we take to achieve its beauty? By the 21st century we may have found the answer: the creative compartment, a group of a few hundred people who work together in a totally open way. The intense communication within a compartment generates enormous adaptability and a creative problem-solving capability seldom found in today's organizations. In Creative Compartments, Gerard Fairtlough draws on his wide experience and on a profound analysis of the operation and interaction of small organizations. He sets out a clear agenda for organizational design, and his novel proposals will benefit anyone in any organization--large or small, business or nonprofit--that strives for continuing success into the 21st century.

As the former CEO of Shell Chemicals UK and Celltech, Gerard Fairtlough speaks about business with enormous authority and experience. In this ground-breaking book he draws on that experience to explain why hierarchy is not the only way to organize a business. He explains the alternatives to hierarchy (which he calls heterarchy and responsible autonomy) and shows how they can work in practice. This extensively revised and updated edition is vital reading for anyone who wants organizations to work better. Reviews of the First Edition: "Imagine a company without bosses. Impossible? I would be inclined to agree, but Gerard Fairtlough. begs to differ and, the more I listen to his arguments, the more I believe he is on to something." Richard Donkin, writing in the Financial Times "Why is working in large organizations often so unrewarding? Why does it seem so purposeless, apart from the pay packet? Work takes up most of our waking lives for the best part of our lives, yet in many cases, work does not really work. What a waste! .Gerard Fairtlough addresses this big dilemma." Peter Day, BBC Radio 4 ."an elegant and concise exploration of contemporary theory and practice in the governance or organizations. It convincingly challenges the assumption that hierarchy is the inevitable default. Clearly written by a scientist and former CEO, it is superior to (and far more readable than) most management books." Walter Truett Anderson, World Academy of Art and Science ."a thoughtful book that every management consultant should read to assist and inform him or her when interacting with clients and assessing the prevailing culture climate in that organization." Alan Beckley, Managing Editor, Professional Consultancy