CMI's Latest Management Book Shortlist Features A Range Of Ideas On What Drives A Business

Business is no longer just about business, a leading industry body has claimed.

This is according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which has released a report on the matter to coincide with the publication of its shortlist for the latest Management Book of the Year prize.

Many of these books hold the view that a greater sense of social purpose is needed among businesses in the UK if they are to continue to succeed in the future, with customers put at the heart of everything they do, rather than placing the majority of the focus on company-related or financial gains.

"Business isn't just about business," chief executive of the CMI Ann Francke commented.

Instead, companies are beginning to acknowledge the importance of issues such as corporate social responsibility, as well as making it known that they are recruiting a diverse workforce. The latter is one of the main themes of John Browne's 'The Glass Closet', which looks at his experiences as a gay man in a business leadership role.

In addition, a number of the shortlisted publications look at the issues surrounding international trade, which figures from KPMG released earlier this month show is an area many SMEs are currently reluctant to explore.

Other themes examined in the books on the list include effective communication strategies for managers (Communicate to Inspire by Kevin Murray) and how to create a successful workplace culture (Richard D Lewis and Kai Hammerich's Fish Can't See Water).

Ms Francke added: "Leaders are increasingly recognising that their organisations can be a force for the common good and solve some of the world's toughest challenges.

"But that means developing a management culture that makes ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability an integral part of the business model."

Entrants to the shortlist are competing for a £5,000 cash prize, which will be awarded to the winner at the British Library on February 9th 2015. This year, a record 160 publications have been put forward for the Management Book of the Year accolade.

Expert Opinion

The CMI’s shortlist has put an interesting spotlight on the key issues which are businesses are thinking about in the current climate, placing a specific emphasis on how they are looking at the bigger issues which companies are looking at. <br/> <br/>"The shortlist gives SMEs a clear idea of some of the issues they should consider as they look to develop their offerings – such as communication in the workplace, social responsibility and international trade. <br/> <br/>"Small businesses may pick up some handy hints and tips from the shortlist, but they should also speak to other third parties – such as lawyers – for further advice on their organisations too." Steven Beahan - Partner