Title: Encyclopedia of Development Methods
Author: Andrezej Huczynski
Publisher: Gower, 2001.
Format: Hardback, 399 pages
ISBN: 0 566 07920 8
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Not a book for bedtime! But what could be an indispensable reference source for the training and development, organization development and ‘human resources’ departments and managers at all levels. This encyclopedia is an amalgamated version of the author’s earlier works on management development methods and organizational change methods, now fully updated and revised.
The book is divided essentially into three sections, first being a standard text chapter in which various models and theories of md and od are considered, the second identifying frameworks for the classification of md methods. Both chapters are at an ‘academic’ treatment level.
The third section, of 347 pages, consists of an alphabetically arranged review of more than 700 methods of training and management. Some of the entries are well-known to training practitioners, others principally to certificate and diploma students and researchers, and others methods that many have not yet encountered. Each review describes by means of an adequate summary the method, finishing with a significant range of source and recommended references and links to other related summaries in the encyclopedia. The range of methods described is extremely wide and ranges from such subjects as the Abercrombie method of associative discussion, career life planning and data-based interventions; through group discussion, management by walking around, and reflective learning; to situational leadership, synectics, think and listen sessions and zero defects.
The principal problem that I had with the collection was that felt that the training practitioner would find some of the management and od items somewhat overpowering, and the other potential readers would find that the training and development items did not relate directly to their interests. But with such a wide range of topics presented and a potential appeal to a similarly wide range of potential users, it successfully links all the worlds in a clear manner.
Review by W Leslie Rae, Ellray Associates
