American corporations that once enjoyed a healthy command of their markets today find themselves in a fierce battle to reestablish dominance,to regain market share,even at times to fight for survival. Management of these companies knows that it must find new ways to organize and manage people if it is to increase quality,lower costs,and encourage innovation,the basis for competitive advantage in the 1900s and beyond. Unfortunately,it doesn't know how. In The Critical Path,three leading management experts set a practical and effective agenda for revitalizing the corporation. Through an in-depth analysis of six companies that have undergone fundamental changes,the authors discovered what works and what doesn't in corporate renewal. They describe the many common errors companies make it getting started-launching a corporate culture program,introducing a new performance appraisal and merit pay system,hiring consultants who recommend trendy quick fixes,and restructuring the organization without understanding its real needs.