Learn more about the management theory of Karl Weick Although Weick's theories sound dire and forbidding, they are less so when you read his work. For instance, it is 'easy' to have a one-time success; it is difficult to be a success over a long period. Short successes don't last, precisely because events happened that no one was prepared for. His thesis is that it may be impossible to be completely prepared but if you work towards looking for errors and flaws and fixing them, an unknown event might do some damage but will not wipe you out.

I recommend:  At the University of Michigan's Ross Business School, read "Managing the Unexpected," an article by Weick and co-author Sutcliffe. It will give you a taste of Weick's management theory. Wired magazine offers an interesting interview with Weick.

Test some of Weick's theory of organization for yourself You can match wits with Weick by pitting his concepts against your experiences in business. Judge for yourself if you think his theory could work for you.

I recommend:  Kasch Associates explains the Karl Weick equivocality model using Weick's conditions of the decision-making process. Read an insightful paper on the Weickian concept of contingency at Sage Publications.

Get expert advice, help or training in Weick theory You might think that Weick's theory of management should play a role in your organization. You can get training yourself or you could hire a consultant.

I recommend:  The Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship is headed by Weick. It combines research and scholarly activities with programs for degree and certificate programs for students and executives. Steve Forman of Forman Consulting uses Weick's approach in his business. The website itself contains a lot of information about management and leadership.