THE 5TH INFORMATION REVOLUTION IS ABOUT TO OCCUR - IT WILL RESULT FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF MASS INFORMATION UTILITIES. THE AUTHOR CITES EXAMPLES FROM EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT AND MEDICINE WHICH WILL BE ...PART OF THIS NEW ERA OF NETWORKS OF COMPUTERS AND DATA-BASES HOOKED TO INTERACTIVE TERMINALS. APPLICATIONS TO BUSINESS ARE GIVEN. THE KEY TO THE WHOLE NEW ERA IS HOW THIS POWERFUL SYSTEM WILL BE MANAGED. AUTHOR DISCUSSES THE OBJECTIVES OF SOCIETY, OF SYSTEMS USERS, AND OF SUPPLIERS. THE GREAT MANAGEMENT QUESTION IS ONE OF WHO HOLDS THE POWER AND MAKES THE DECISIONS. SERVICE PRIORITIES MUST ALSO BE ESTABLISHED. PRICING WILL BE A PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE SELECTION OF THE DATA BASES. LONG-TERM PLANNING IS DESPERATELY NEEDED NOW.
Leaders want a vision that is enduring, so that when the organization is committed to the vision, all energies can be invested in its fulfillment. The vision must change as the world changes; entire ...industries can be destroyed or completely reoriented by changes beyond their control. An important part of visionary leadership is prudence. This involves monitoring change, making the necessary mid-course corrections, and knowing when to initiate a new vision. Visionary organizations have the capacity to learn from and adapt to change. Organization learning is fostered in an environment of openness and mutual trust that allows people to embrace change and experiment without feeling threatened. Some suggestions are offered to assist leaders in revising or developing vision: 1. Do not develop the vision alone. 2. Avoid being overly idealistic. 3. Reduce the possibility of unpleasant surprises. 4. Be on the lookout for organizational inertia. 5. Concentrate on things other than the bottom line. 6. Be flexible and patient in implementing the vision. 7. Never get complacent.
