by Edward D. Hess. Hess (Darden Graduate School of Business, Univ. of Virginia) challenges the traditional assumptions of the relationship between growth and business success. For Hess, growth is neither an abhorrent nor an imperative goal. Rather, he argues that corporate growth must be consistent with an organization's long-term viability and enhance value to stakeholders. Drawing on his extensive research, Hess provides unique insight into the ways that organizations can skillfully compete while assuring long-term sustainability. Topics include theories of growth, competitive advantage, managed earnings, true value creation, key success factors, real growth versus short-term earnings, and Wall Street expectations. Chapters are enhanced by excellent short case studies of well-known companies, e.g., Best Buy, Coca-Cola, Costco, Defender Direct, Harley-Davidson, Home Depot, JetBlue, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Room & Board, Starbucks, Sysco, and Tiffany & Company. Hess's useful seven-step Darden Growth/Innovation Model and his Growth Risks Audit Checklist provide readers with behavioral tools for strategically managing growth consistent with the creation of true sustainable value. The book is oriented toward business leaders, and a familiarity with contemporary business theory and practices would be helpful to a thorough understanding of this work's content. --Booklist
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