Book Review-Accountability: Freedom and Responsibility Without Control

Accountability: Freedom and Responsibility Without Control, by Rob Lebow and Randy Spitzer. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.

In the spirit of Theory Y, the authors argue for giving people freedom, assuming each takes responsibility for his or her own actions. The book details how this approach yields creative innovations and organizational improvements, impossible under control-based organizations. Part one explores the control versus freedom dilemma; part two examines the transformation of an organization from a control- to a freedom-based environment. A primary focus is freedom-based leadership, but the book explores a wide range of key organizational elements. The message, conveyed through a dialog, is driven home through facts and a hard-hitting, convincing argument. The book is strongly recommended for practising and student managers.