Abstract

This paper provides an uncommon analysis of a familiar and influential work of great literature, the story of creation as presented in the opening verses of the Bible. The approach used here is to examine the story of creation from a managerial rather than from the usual religious perspective. We can see from this paper that this old but beautiful story can indeed provide powerful lessons for today's managers. These lessons apply to such issues as the creation of organizational structures, the relationship between organizational structures and goals, leadership, performance evaluation, feedback, communication, quantification, branding, the use of power, goal-attainment, multitasking, and having work-life balance. We see from this analysis that the Bible can be viewed as a fresh, timely, timeless, and relevant work of literature, one that can teach valuable and inspiring lessons to today's managers regardless of their religious orientation or lack thereof. Stated differently, managers, aspiring managers, and leaders can learn important lessons about management concepts, issues, challenges, and practices not just from reading a management textbook or the musings of a retired CEO, but by carefully reading great works of literature that have inspired man through the ages.