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The Balanced Scorecard

Translating Strategy into Action

by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton

Harvard Business Review Press, 1996

Category: Strategy

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The Balanced Scorecard

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In this summary you will learn

  • How the "Balanced Scorecard" system started
  • What it is and how it works
  • How to integrate strategy with operations
  • How to begin a Balanced Scorecard system at your company
  • How Balanced Scorecard can enhance your system of management
  • What pitfalls to avoid

Why you should read The Balanced Scorecard

First published in 1996, this management literature classic builds a bridge between traditional, short-term oriented management systems and a more balanced approach integrating new types of measurements into a comprehensive strategy. This book looks senior managers in the eye and asks, "Are you ready for the future?" Some executives respond to the challenge of change by tinkering, adding a few nonfinancial metrics to the "instrumentation cockpit" that tells them how their corporate ship is running. Others have spurned Balanced Scorecard because it requires CEOs to accept feedback from all levels of their organizations so they will know if their assumptions remain relevant amidst rapid change. To date, however, more than 300 major organizations have used this system to enhance their performance, and future prospects. Abraham Lincoln once said that the best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time. With apologies to Lincoln, getAbstract.com recommends this book to all senior executives and managers - because the future will be here sooner than you think.

About the Authors

Robert S. Kaplan is a professor of leadership development at Harvard Business School, and chairman of the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative. He co-authored The Strategy-Focused Organization and Strategy Maps with David P. Norton, the co-founder and president of the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative.

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