Built to Last

by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

HarperBusiness, November, 2004.
Hardcover, 342 pages.
ISBN: 0060566108

Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras In Built to Last authors Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras offer a look at what makes visionary companies so outstanding and successful. To determine what makes the winners tick, Collins and Porras compared highly successful companies like General Electric, 3M, Merck, Wal-Mark, Walt Disney and Boeing to a close competitor. For example, Sony is compared to Kenwood, Wal-Mart is compared to Ames and GE is compared to Westinghouse. Along the way Collins and Porras dispel some myths about what makes successful company. One of the most interesting myths that they dispel is the myth that you initially need a great product to becoming a visionary compay. They found that some of the best companies followed more of a trial and error process that eventually led to them creating many good and successful products. Another myth they dispel is the myth that only charismatic leaders can build visionary companies. The authors also take a close look at core ideologies in the companies, profitability and risk taking. Executives will get a lot out of this book as it also discusses the management and leadership practices inside the studied companies. The authors also offer great insights to investors that are always looking to find the next great visionary company. Highly recommended.

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This review was published in the November-December, 2004 of The Internet Writing Journal.

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