The Good, The Bad and the Downright Ugly Side of New Zealand Business

Description

Ralph Bathurst's "The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly Side of New Zealand Business" charts the course of business decisions over the last twenty-five years that led to some of New Zealand's worst losses and greatest successes. From how team culture reflects dysfunctional boardroom behaviours at NZ Warriors and the outrageous management decisions that led to the collapse at ANSETT to the brilliance and sure guidance of a2 milk, and the 'rags to riches' story of Deep Creek Brewery, this is New Zealand business at its very best and its very worst. Through Bathurst's expert analysis, patterns emerge for what makes good business and good corporate governance. What also emerges is that the shocking collapse of South Canterbury Financie, the financial blowout of Fletcher Building and the lack of leadership regarding the Middlemore Hospital fiasco were ALL foreseeable and avoidable. From the stories of success and failure, Ralph Bathurst draws valuable lessons for executives, board members, shareholders, management students and, most importantly, business owners. Leaning to recognise good business-making patterns and following in the footsteps of our most successful corporations could well lead other New Zealand businesses to national and global success.

Dr Ralph J Bathurst is a senior lecturer at Massey University's Business School. He is the academic coordinator of the Masters of Advance Leadership Practice (MALP), a program which explores the complexities of leadership development, specifically for middle and senior managers in New Zealand. He also lectures in management and leadership in postgraduate programs, adopting an arts-based approach to teaching where students are encourage to engage aesthetically in their learning.