Managing Without Managers by Ricardo Semler

Front

What is the primary management philosophy at Semco?

Back

Democracy, profit sharing, and information sharing.

Front

How many employees does Semco have?

Back

800 employees.

Front

What unique practice does Semco implement regarding employee working hours?

Back

Employees set their own working hours.

Front

What percentage of after-tax profit is shared with employees at Semco?

Back

23%.

Front

What was Semco's profit margin in 1988?

Back

10% on sales of $37 million.

Front

What are the three fundamental values of Semco's management programs?

Back

Democracy, profit sharing, and information.

Front

What significant change did Semco make to its organizational structure?

Back

Transitioned from a pyramidal hierarchy to a circular structure.

Front

What is the role of 'counselors' at Semco?

Back

They are the top five managers who integrate the company's movements.

Front

What is the main obstacle to effective participatory management identified by Semco?

Back

Hierarchy and the traditional role of managers.

Front

What does Semco believe about the nature of employees?

Back

They believe employees are responsible adults.