Stupid Rules
Reducing Red Tape and Making Organizations More Effective and Accountable
Will be published approx. on 29. January 2026
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-78821-876-4 (ISBN)
Description
Our lives are imbued with rules and regulations, some of which are vital and sensible, but others are simply stupid. Time-wasting processes of compliance don't improve anyone's lives or wellbeing and burden companies and organizations with productivity-sapping paperwork. In these instances, we would be better off resorting to the exercise of authority. It is a concept that we are now afraid of, but authority in the right place is a more efficient and transparent option for getting things done.
Natasha Hamilton-Hart navigates the rules-maze that has proliferated in response to crisis and failure in recent decades, challenging us to consider just how ineffective stupid rules are in holding power to account, to improving service delivery, and even in managing the office dress code. A must-read for anyone frustrated by the bureaucratic overload regulations create and for those needing to rethink their approach to management.
Natasha Hamilton-Hart navigates the rules-maze that has proliferated in response to crisis and failure in recent decades, challenging us to consider just how ineffective stupid rules are in holding power to account, to improving service delivery, and even in managing the office dress code. A must-read for anyone frustrated by the bureaucratic overload regulations create and for those needing to rethink their approach to management.
Reviews / Votes
This remarkable book describes and analyses the plague of regulation affecting western liberal democracies - and includes essential recommendations for reform. It is a unique analysis of the political economy of lawmaking and is essential reading for both policymakers and the citizen who seek relief from the day-to-day impact of stupid rules. -- Robin Ellison, author of Red Tape: Managing Excess in Law, Regulation and the CourtsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Laminated cover
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
322 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78821-876-4 (9781788218764)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Natasha Hamilton-Hart is a professor in the Department of Management and International Business at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Content
1. Rule proliferation and the loss of authority
2. Stupid rules in real life
3. Stupid rules in disguise
4. Autonomy
5. Rules: regulatory solutions and rule proliferation
6. Authority: why and when hierarchy works
7. Accountability: making authority work
8. Authority for a better world
2. Stupid rules in real life
3. Stupid rules in disguise
4. Autonomy
5. Rules: regulatory solutions and rule proliferation
6. Authority: why and when hierarchy works
7. Accountability: making authority work
8. Authority for a better world