Corporate-finance

Maybe because I live in Japan, this does nothing for me. Heard it all before and heard it told better. Reminds me too much of the bright-eyed bushy-tailed who come over expecting it to be geishas and cherry blossoms and find it's pink salons and garbage strewn on beaches. They only missed the Edo period by 500 or so years just like this book missed the mark on really telling a less whiny tale of woe. Have to agree with reviewer who wanted to strangle her becuase she reminded him(?) of so many non-Japanese here who just won't shut up.

This engaging memoir reads like a novel and is almost impossible to put down once you begin reading it. The story of a young American woman who works as a trainee at the Tokyo headquarters of Honda Motor Company, "The Accidental Office Lady" is refreshingly free from many faults commonly found in books of this variety. It does not try to make Japan seem overly exotic, nor does it attempt to make condescending comparisons between the Japanese way of doing things and the American way of doing things. The author merely relates in a straightforward, honest manner her personal experiences working for a Japanese company, and in the process, we are allowed a very human glimpse into the workings of an international corporation. Laura J. Kriska has been criticized for making herself in this book seem more naive than she probably was, having been born in Tokyo (though only living there for two years before returning to the US), raised by Japanophile parents, and spending a year at a prestigious Japanese university before coming to Tokyo to work for Honda. But that is just the professional writer creating a persona for herself to better dramatize the transition from a spunky, independent young American woman to the truly bicultural young adult she became in the end. I believe that is well within the bounds of poetic license, and is definitely justified by the fine results.

"The Accidental Office Lady" is a wonderful treat for all readers! I enjoyed the book immensely and have recommended it to all my friends. Kriska's account of her years in Japan are insightful and genuine, and you'll hear yourself laugh out loud as she describes her experiences. She is honest with her readers as she describes everything she encountered in Japan as an American employee of Honda and is willing to share all her ups and downs. The characters come alive as Kriska deftly describes her day-to-day life in Japan, and you find yourself cheering her on as she eagerly approaches new challenges. I gained new insights into the psyche of the Japanese and realize how different and terrific it can be. I can't wait for Kriska's next novel, but for now I will have to be content to re-read "The Accidental Office Lady."

Working in public accounting for a long time, but beeing new to the accounting world in the U.S., I found this book very instructive and helpful to resolve practical questions on one hand and finding access to the underlying "World of Statements", the scientific backbone, at the same time.

First it offers a red thread through most of the relevant areas of accounting and financial reporting. But even more important, the book contains a reliable and quick guidance to find solutions for a lot of different actual practical issues, occurring in specific industries and situations.

This set is the most comprehensive, informative, and complete writing on accounting. No other book is necessary! These are hard to find though. Good luck!

Now, I've read a lot of books and taken something from all of them, good or bad. However, I would have to say this is the only book I ever regret having read. Being in the business and half decent at my work (ego driven dictator in Cringley speak), I found the 300 odd pages of his ranting and raving against anyone with talent and vision a little hard to swallow. Don't get me wrong, it's a fascinating story, but ruined by his poorly camouflaged bitterness at his own failings as an engineer. And no, I'm not Steve Jobs.

Not only is "Accidental Empires" an informative and entertaining history of the computer/software revolution, it presents a detailed and accurate analysis of the psyche of those who started the industry.

This book is a MUST READ for anyone with a career in the computer industry. If you work with technical people, you'll understand them better; you'll have a clearer idea of WHY the players in this industry do seemingly illogical things. If your competition has not read this book, they are at a disadvantage.

The PBS series that was based on this book doesn't do the book justice, but is a wonderful compliment to Cringely's excellent writing!

If you're interested in the birth and growth of the PC industry this is your guide!

After I saw the TV series I wanted to have the book, I even mailed Bob Cringely for the ISBN. A book like this could be a rather dull book, but this isn't one of those. This is a great book full of facts served with plenty of humour. Cringely was there when it happened, he knows what he's writing about. This book tells you about never released software, missed opportunities, killer applications, where the GUI came from, and much more in a language that isn't just for nerds.

I've read this book twice, I'm pretty sure I'll read it again...

This handy guide endeavors to reduce the complex challenge of ethical leadership - with which great minds have struggled for thousands of years - to six simple and absolute rules of honesty. The authors, Larry Johnson and Bob Phillips, clearly explain each rule of absolute honesty they have derived and provide many illustrative anecdotes and examples drawn from daily life. There is a fascinating, moving story of one co-author's unforgettable experience as a high school track star, and another account about a couple whose marriage ended in divorce after the wife insisted on acting dishonestly. Perhaps the authors believed that this volume would move even the greatest crooks to resolute and unswerving honesty. Alas, that is beyond their scope. However We find that ordinary businesspeople seeking general guidelines might find useful counsel here. Hey, at least it's a start.

I enjoyed reading this book because anyone can relate to it. There are always "real" stories in each chapter which is an excellent way to describe what the writers are trying to emphasis. "Absolute Honesty" is also a wonderful book for women. Many times women find themselves in situations where they want to be honest, but are extremely uncomfortable or fear they won't be listened to. "Absolute Honesty" has great ideas on how to approach people allowing them to be sincere without the fear.

Recent corporate scandals have shaken confidence in leadership and the ethical underpinnings of the business world. Without significant change, we risk increasing problems in the years ahead. It's time for leaders to step forth, declare a commitment to ethical performance, and set the example.

"Absolute Honesty" tells it like it is, and like it must be. Johnson and Phillips, management consultants who have been inside and seen how things work, have produced a powerful tool. This easy-to-read book emphasizes that no one argues against corporate integrity, but some executives need support on HOW to apply the principles. Readers of "Absolute Honesty" will learn how to build the right kind of cultural infrastructure.

The authors argue that too many companies adhere to what they call "the Kumbaya Syndrome---embrace all decisions, no matter how stupid or unethical; smile and sing the company campfire song." It's too easy to just go along, and confronting or fighting superiors or The System is frowned upon.

The alternative is to apply their Six Laws of Absolute Honesty: Tell the Truth, Tackle the Problems, Disagree and Commit, Welcome the Truth, Reward the Messenger, and Build a Platform of Integrity. A chapter on each of the laws explains what needs to be done, with effective supporting material including advice, anecdotes, and a style that makes the whole process comfortable and acceptable.

The book is organized into three parts. The first part, The Challenge, includes chapters on The Naked Truth and A Culture of Absolute Honesty. These 52 pages set the stage nicely for the rest of the book. Part 2 presents the Six Laws, with engaging detail. Part 3 is aptly entitled "Where Do We Go from Here?" The final two chapters discuss building an ethical infrastructure and Key Points to Help Your Implementation Efforts. Lots of good, practical advice here. The book concludes with Notes and a good index.

You'll find this book to be a disarmingly fast read. There's a personal sort of feeling that draws the reader into the subject and keeps the flow moving. This book is one you'll keep in your office-for reference and to send a message to all who enter.