// Book comparison

Management vs Managing by Values

Which should you read? A side-by-side comparison of Management by Mescon, Albert, Khedouri and Managing by Values by Ken Blanchard.

At a glance

Management Managing by Values
Rating ★ 4.4/5 ★ 4.5/5
Pages 724 160
Reading time ~18.1 h ~4.0 h
Published 1988 1997
Author Mescon, Albert, Khedouri Ken Blanchard
Category Strategy & Management Strategy & Management
Publisher Harper & Row Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Choose Management if…

  • You're interested in strategy & management.

Choose Managing by Values if…

  • You're interested in strategy & management.
  • You want the higher-rated book (4.5/5).
  • You prefer a shorter read (~4.0 hours).
  • You want the more recent perspective (1997).

Key takeaways — Management

  • Master the Four Functions of Management—Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling—to provide a balanced and comprehensive framework for leading any sized organization.
  • Apply the Systems Approach by recognizing that every internal business decision impacts other departments and must be evaluated in the context of the external market environment.
  • Implement effective Control Systems by setting clear performance standards, measuring actual results, and taking immediate corrective action when deviations occur.
Read full Management summary →

Key takeaways — Managing by Values

  • Implement the Three-Phase MBV Process—Clarify, Communicate, and Align—to transform your corporate culture into a powerful engine for ethical and financial growth.
  • Utilize your organization's Core Values as the primary filters for strategic decision-making, ensuring that every tactical move reinforces your long-term institutional identity.
  • Redesign your Recruitment and Performance Systems to prioritize cultural fit and value-aligned behavior, fostering an environment of mutual trust and collective accountability.
Read full Managing by Values summary →

The verdict

If you want the higher-rated, shorter read, start with Managing by Values. If you want a different angle on the same topic, Management is the better fit. Both summaries are free — no signup required.

❓ FAQ

Is Management or Managing by Values better? +

Managing by Values has the higher reader rating (4.5/5 vs 4.4/5), but "better" depends on your goal. Management focuses on strategy & management, while Managing by Values focuses on strategy & management. See the verdict below.

Which is shorter, Management or Managing by Values? +

Managing by Values is shorter (160 pages, ~4.0 hours) compared to Management (724 pages, ~18.1 hours).

Should I read Management or Managing by Values first? +

If you want the quicker, higher-rated read, start with Managing by Values. Otherwise read whichever matches your current goal — both summaries are free on BookAudio.