This may belong in cafe society, but also could belong here since Im looking for factually based opinions, so I don’t know. If a mod has an opinion on placement it would be welcomed.
My mom has owned and operated a small chain of travel agencies for a couple decades. Recently business has expanded slightly. This is good.
The expansion of the business along with several other factors are resulting in the need to start hiring out non-family. This is a problem.
This has always been primarily a family business. While outsiders have and are working for us, employee’s are predominantly relations.
Naturally this has led to a very particular management style. A style that is totally unsuited for “outsiders.”
Currently there is little division from business and family. If something needs be done, someone will do it. No question asked. Everyone is more or less involved, and can be counted on. Needless to say, total strangers wouldn’t have this level of involvement.
The Need:
Can you dopers suggest a couple of GOOD management/small business books that deal with management? Specifically something that would suit someone who needs to change a management/business style they’ve been operating under for over 20 years?
Ideally, this would be something that would entail how to encourage loyalty, proficiency, dependability and efficiency without overly depending on financial incentives, (this industry is not exactly a great place to get rich at the lower levels).