"Fundamentals of Management" by Ricky W. Griffin is a widely used textbook in the field of management, offering a comprehensive and practical approach to understanding the core functions of management. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Theoretical and Functional Framework: The book provides a strong theoretical and functional framework, clearly organized around the functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) .
2. Skills-Based Text: It is designed to be a skills-based text, allowing instructors to integrate their own cases, exercises, and projects while maintaining a strong theoretical foundation .
3. Relevance and Engagement: The book incorporates numerous engaging learning features, including opening vignettes, skill applications, and new cases to keep readers actively engaged and focused on real-world management challenges .
4. Emerging Management Challenges: It addresses contemporary issues such as the economic crisis and energy crisis, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern management .

Plot Summary

The book is structured into five main parts:

1. Introduction to Management:

   • Understanding the Manager's Job
   • The Environment of Organizations and Managers

2. Planning:

   • Planning and Strategic Management
   • Managing Decision Making
   • Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management

3. Organizing:

   • Organization Structure and Design
   • Organization Change and Innovation
   • Managing Human Resources in Organizations

4. Leading:

   • Basic Elements of Individual Behavior in Organizations
   • Managing Employee Motivation and Performance
   • Leadership and Influence Processes
   • Communication in Organizations
   • Managing Work Groups, Teams, and Conflict

5. Controlling:

   • Basic Elements of Control
   • Managing Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Productivity

Each chapter includes various learning features such as Technology Toolkits, Business Ethics discussions, and Today's Issues sections to enhance the reader's understanding of the subject matter .

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's popularity and widespread use in educational settings indicate its positive reception among instructors and students. The book's flexibility in allowing instructors to tailor the content to their needs, combined with its comprehensive coverage of management functions, likely contributes to its positive critical reception.

Author Background

Ricky W. Griffin is a distinguished professor of management and the Blocker Chair in Business at Texas A&M University. He has a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from the University of Houston and has served in various academic and professional roles, including editor of the Journal of Management and officer in several divisions of the Academy of Management. His research interests include workplace violence, employee health and well-being, and workplace culture .

In summary, "Fundamentals of Management" by Ricky W. Griffin is a well-regarded textbook that provides a balanced approach to understanding the core functions of management, incorporating both theoretical and practical aspects to equip readers with the skills necessary for success in the field.