Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told to Do Is Wrong

by Ira Chaleff, Philip Zimbardo Narrated by Dave Clark

Overview

When It's Smart to Say No

Nearly every week we read about a tragedy or scandal that could have been prevented if individuals had said no to ill-advised or illegitimate orders. In this timely book, Ira Chaleff explores when and how to disobey inappropriate orders, reduce unacceptable risk, and find better ways to achieve legitimate goals.

The inspiration for the book, and its title, comes from the concept of intelligent disobedience used in guide dog training. Guide dogs must recognize and resist a command that would put their human and themselves at risk and identify safer options for achieving the goal. This is precisely what Chaleff helps humans do. Using both deeply disturbing and uplifting examples, as well as critical but largely forgotten research, he shows how to create a culture where, rather than “just following orders,” people hold themselves accountable to do the right thing, always.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Reading this remarkable book has given me new hope for humanity.”
—from the foreword by Philip G. Zimbardo, creator of the Stanford Prison Experiment and author of The Lucifer Effect

“Intelligent disobedience is a core competency. This book provides an overlooked and essential element of ethical decision making and right action.”
—John A. Allison, retired Chairman and CEO, BB&T Corporation

“All of us have the responsibility to stand up for doing the right thing. Intelligent Disobedience offers the tools for doing this.”
—Beatrice Edwards, Executive Director, Government Accountability Project

“Intelligent Disobedience provides practical advice for the workplace and has profound implications for preparing students for democratic citizenship.”
—Robert Bravo, Area Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District

Library Journal

09/15/2015
Chaleff (The Courageous Follower) proposes that individuals find a healthy balance for living in a system with rules and authorities while taking responsibility for their actions. The author uses examples from government agencies, hospitals, the armed services, and corporations to demonstrate how "just following orders" can be taken to an extreme, causing harm to others. He turns his attention to helping readers deflect commands they deem wrong and ultimately create a culture that does the right thing. VERDICT Thought provoking, stimulating, and ideal for discussion groups.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169601145
Publisher:	Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Publication date:	07/07/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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