76 pages • 2 hours read
Jim CollinsBuilt to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras is a nonfiction analysis of what defines visionary companies, based on a six-year research project. The authors identify key characteristics of such companies, including core ideology, maintaining consistent core values, fostering experimentation, and promoting internal leadership development. Collating historical data from surveys of Fortune 500 and Inc 500 CEOs, they pair 18 visionary companies with similar firms for comparison, highlighting how visionary companies integrate dualities like idealism and profit, and short- and long-term goals while preserving their core ideologies and striving for continual progress.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jim Collins' Built to Last is widely praised for its deep insights into the principles that make visionary companies successful over the long term. Readers appreciate the extensive research and practical applications. However, some criticize its focus on large, established firms, arguing it may not be as relevant for startups or smaller businesses.
Who Should Read Built to Last?
Readers who would enjoy Built to Last by Jim Collins are business enthusiasts and leaders eager to understand the principles behind enduringly successful companies. Similar to fans of Good to Great and The Innovator's Dilemma, they appreciate data-driven insights and strategic methodologies for building visionary organizations.