African cultural heritage, passed on from generation to generation has been the source of guidance for African communities in times of peace, uncertainty, birth, life and death. In this book the power of traditional wisdom contained in African proverbs is directed at organizational development and change. The result is a fresh new perspective on organizational management with important lessons for leaders, consultants, volunteers and expatriates working or preparing to work in Africa. Rooted in proven practice, the book specifically addresses the needs of leaders and consultants in African organizations seeking to implement performance improvement and organizational change, and contains proverb-driven assessment templates for use in workshop situations.

Foreword
Preface
1 INTRODUCTION: African Proverbs as Tools for Organizational Improvement
Proverbs and Their Use
Proverbs for Communicating Organizational Issues
The Audience for This Book
CHAPTER 1: Understanding Organizational Growth
Phases of Organizational Growth.
Ubuntu: The Spirit of a Sustainable Organization
Growth Phases Viewed Globally
CHAPTER 2: Strengthening Organizational Sustainability Conventional Understanding of Organizational Sustainability
Organizational Development Understanding of Sustainability
Complementarity of the Two Approaches
CHAPTER 3: Organizational Culture as the Foundation for Sustainability
What is Organizational Culture?
Organizational Identity
Types of Culture
Creating an Empowering Organizational Culture
CHAPTER 4: Improving Leaders' Effectiveness
Leadership and Leadership Styles
Developing Leadership Effectiveness
Leadership Succession
CHAPTER 5: Improving Consultants' Effectiveness
Role of the Consultant
Lessons for Consultants
CHAPTER 6: Organizational Assessment Using Proverbs
What is an Organizational Assessment?
The Purpose of an Organizational Assessmen
The Benefits of a Self-Assessment
The Organizational Self-Assessment Process
Factors Hindering Effective Use of Organizational Assessments . APPENDIX: Sample Diagnostic Instruments
Proverbs Self-Assessment Tool for Organizations
Self-Reflection Tool for Leaders
Self-Reflection Tool for Consultants
References

Chiku Malunga
Chiku Malunga is a Malawain consultant with long experience of organizational development work amongst African NGOs now working with the organization CADECO to promote African-centred organizational improvement models.