The Logic Of Failure: Recognizing And Avoiding Error In Complex Situations

The graphic data and their analysis is very accurate.

One of the greatest chapters in the book is about time measurement. Never did I understand before reading that in general, people cannot manage time, they don't feel it. We measure it by looking at watch, we make charts, we write histories and mark milestones just because our mind is "current". It is a fascinating book to read. The somewhat academic style is very appropriate. I very strongly recommend it, especially for beginners in business, like me.

With best regards, OLEG.


Essential Reading for Business and Govt Leaders   January 23, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Wow - a superb analysis of why we fail even when doing things right! The lessons contained herein are invaluable to every professional, and more so for those who are in critical decision making and leadership roles. The fallacy of our thinking is something we dont like to admit or understand, this book reveals the pitfalls of the same. You will need some guts to read and understand this book since it will uncover flaws that you will probably hate to admit.
In some places the translation could have been better, however that should not prevent anyone from reading this book. I suggest "Dont just read - but grasp the lessons." It may take more than one reading to get a better understanding, but that investment of time will be well worth the effort. Equally important - reflect on what you read as you try to assimilate the material discussed.


This book could save your company!   October 4, 1999
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one of those books you are going to recommend to your management team and finally just buy it for the boss praying it gets read!

It is a great book for understanding our limitations for decision making in complex situations and will make the older reader feel better about themselves since it confirms the value of life experienced folks over MBA wizkids!

The chapter on Planning is worth the price of the book alone. I look forward to a sequel focusing on developing critical thinking which where the book leaves us hanging.


Perfect for managers   July 9, 2002
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

In the Logic of Failure, Dietrich Dorner lays out the root causes of decision-making failures in a straightforward, easy-to-read, and even entertaining manner. Dorner covers the psychological and emotional failings that occur when individuals are faced with a myriad of complex systems. Anyone who has been bitten by the law of unintended consequences will see a bit of himself in the pages as Dorner helps one envision the inherent inadequacies that prevent people from predicting and preparing for what becomes painfully obvious in hindsight. Although a bit short on what to do in order to permanently correct the problems identified, simply bringing the pitfalls to light will go a long way to alleviate the problem. This is a must read for managers and strategic planners......perhaps even on an annual basis.


The Logic of Failure   October 26, 2005
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book was a real surprise. If you are at all interested in problems solving and why we all so often make poor decisons, this is the book for you. It uses the results of the author's psychology research using simulation models, where people are put into complex decision making situations and the quality of the result analysed. The book documents the specific factors that go into making good and poor decisions. It is very easy to find oportunities to use these ideas in both my personal and work life.