Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders: How Your Genes Affect Your Work Life
Scott Shane





Format: Hardcover, 288pp.
ISBN: 9780195373424
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pub. Date: March 4, 2010

Average Customer Review:


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Description and Reviews
From The Publisher:

It's no secret that your genes have a subtle, but powerful impact on your job and career. But did you know that your DNA accounts for one third of the difference between you and your co-workers in many aspects of work life, from job satisfaction to income level? That's the revelation of this fascinating book—one that will change the way you think about the role of genetics in the workplace.

Despite extensive evidence highlighting the influence of genetics in the business world, this critical connection has been glossed over by corporate leaders and management gurus. Now, for the first time, author Scott Shane explains why genes matter, and how an understanding of their relationship to behavior is of vital importance to employers, employees, and policy makers. This eye-opening resource begins with an incisive look at the basic function of genes and the effects of specific genes on organizational behavior, then moves into a real-world analysis of how genes influence numerous aspects of our professional lives, from the jobs we choose, to how effectively we make decisions and manage people. Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders also delves into the role that genetics plays in creativity and innovation, and focuses on how genes affect our tendency to start companies. Armed with these insights, you'll not only learn how to leverage your innate skills and personality, but you'll discover how to succeed by acting in ways contrary to your "nature."

Packed with scientifically grounded insights, this phenomenal book also examines the potential use of genetic information in creating job assignments and designing incentive and training plans. Ultimately, Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders shows how a heightened awareness of your own--and your colleagues'--genetic predispositions can make you a better employee or employer.


Reviews

Bored at work? Prone to taking dangerous risks on the job? A control freak? Your genes may be to blame, argues economics professor Shane in this analysis of how our professional destinies are influenced by our genetic and hormonal makeup. Particularly intriguing are his discussions of how individuals might be variously hardwired to be altruistic, to job-hop, desire high-powered careers, take risks, and manage in highly idiosyncratic styles. Shane’s findings may have a practical component, as a wider understanding of genetics may require companies to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions used to enhance employee performance, such as incentive plans and training. Buttressed by fascinating research and reasonable interpretations, the book reveals how and why some of us seem to be “born” leaders, creative types, communicators, or entrepreneurs. If the book has a failing, it’s accessibility: though the author makes a laudable attempt to reach a broad audience, some scientific discussions might prove too esoteric. (Mar.)

—Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Scott Shane is the A. Malachi Mixon III Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Case Western Reserve University. A world renowned expert in management and entrepreneurship, Shane has conducted extensive research on numerous aspects of business, including the effect of genetics on entrepreneurial behavior. He is the author or editor of fourteen books, including the widely acclaimed Illusions of Entrepreneurship, and was the 2009 winner of the Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research.

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