Comments on the AIC Theory

 

Your work on the design of organization is a giant leap forward for mankind.

— Prof. Emeritus John Montgomery, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

 

The idea of complimenting control, with influence and appreciation is a major contribution to the design of social processes.

— The Late Dr. Eric Trist, Founder of the Tavistock Institute in London and Professor Emeritus of Social System Science at the Wharton School of Business.

 

The perspective which is built into the (AIC) paper is powerful and sensible.... The explicit acknowledgement of the relevance and reality of power is one of the refreshing-and distinctive-features of this paper. The straightforward way in which the idea of power is handled strikes me as quite wise.

— Prof William J. Siffin, Director International Develop-ment Institute, Indiana

 

It (AIC) is an extremely interesting and useful contribution.... I would like to add that we are very interested in this attack on general theory. Indeed we are trying to evolve between us some better theor-etical statements about agricultural administration.

— Guy Hunter, Overseas Development Institute, London

 

Smith's book is the rosetta stone of organizational theory and models. All the concepts and principles you have read about and used over the years are not just explained in this book; they are connected.

— Alan M. Barstow, Ph.D. Organizational Dynamics, University of Pennsylvania

 

Reading The Creative Power is a Formula-One spiral through the dynamic links between being "purpose-full" and "power-full" at any level of one's focus: leading ourselves, our organizations, or our world. Bill Smith's own story guides the reader agilely on both his far-reaching, multi-dimensional intellectual quest and his astoundingly practical discoveries. You are challenged to recognize the invisible, ubiquitous potential that lies untapped in one's purpose. You may be transformed in your appreciation of its quantum nature. And you will have at hand new approaches for activating and channeling that power in yourself and others.

— Janet L. Greco, PhD, Co-President, Transition One Associates

 

What I valued the most in the reading was how the AIC philosophy did not try and prove how other theorists were wrong or where their philosophies fell short, but showed appreciation in the theories of others. The AIC theory also introduces how appreciation, influence, and control can be found in the theories of other philosophers. I appreciate one being able to confidently demonstrate how one's own philosophy fits and is connected to the whole of organizational theory and practice without demeaning other theorists or philosophies. I think that in itself portrays appreciation in its entirety.

— Rebecca Ferrell

 

Dr. Smith takes a unique approach to the art of organization. He develops a new brilliant thesis that in order to organize you need power and power comes from purpose... By joining the power of appreciation with the previously known powers of control and influence he provides a more complete and natural way to understand our power in ourselves, our organizations' and our world. 'The Creative Power' crosses many boundaries of known classifications of subjects, as it contributes to international development, management, psychology and philosophy at once. The book opened so many discoveries, helping me to understand myself and the world around me. I think that "Creative Power" by William Smith should be considered for a Nobel Prize award.

— Khrystyna Kushnir, Fulbright Scholar