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Top EMBA Reading Recommendations

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By QS Contributor Updated Aug 27, 2014
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Admissions directors from some of the world’s top business schools reveal the books they would recommend EMBA candidates have on their bookshelves.

Reading and constant learning are something that any good executive should be doing at all times but reading and learning jump into high gear when you enter an Executive MBA program. To prepare yourself for going back to school, most EMBA program directors recommend that you get into the habit of reading on a more regular basis. If you listen to current participants or alumni, they all agree that the amount of reading expected of you on an EMBA program can be a bit daunting. As Charmaine Leung, a recent student at Kellogg-WHU told us, “I wish I had (learned) how to speed read. It has been a while since I studied so intensively and had the need to complete as much reading in a short period of time.”

So, to help get you prepared, we asked some of the top business school administrators what books they would recommend for their potential EMBA participants. They came up with a must read list of some of the top leadership, business and management titles on the market today. Pick up a few of them and get yourself ramped up for the learning curve ahead of you.

Fordham University, Graduate School of Business Administration

Dr Francis Petit, Assistant Dean and Director for Executive Programs

Heroic Living by Chris Lowney, Loyola Press, 2009

“This book enlightens its readers on the importance of developing purpose and perspective within one’s professional/personal life.”

Serpico by Peter Maas, Perrenial, 1973

“The classic story of the cop who couldn’t be bought illustrates the courage it takes to fight deep level organizational corruption.”

IESE Business SchoolMaria Puig, Executive Director of the Global Executive MBA

Developing Leadership Competencies by Prof. Pablo Cardona, Eunsa, October 2005

“This excellent book by IESE professor Pablo Cardona helps executives better identify and determine the competencies they would like to strengthen as leaders.”

The Economist, Business Week and the Financial Times – periodicals

“I would also recommend reading global business publications on a regular basis so that you are always on top of current international, political and economical affairs.”

Imperial College Business SchoolEbrahim Mohamed, Director of Executive MBA Programs

Innovation: A very Short Introduction by Dodgson and Gann, Oxford University Press, 2010

“A well written, thought-provoking and handily pocket-sized book to be read while commuting... for the time-pressured.”

INSEADNicole Tee, Director of Executive MBA Programs

Breakthrough Rapid Reading by Peter Kump, Prentice Hall Press 1998

“Time is a precious commodity especially for an EMBA participant who has to juggle so many responsibilities. One who reads faster has an advantage.”

Kellogg-WHUHanne Forssbohm, Senior Program Manager, Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program

Corporate Strategy by Collis D, and Montgomery C, McGraw Hill 2004

This book is used as a framework for the analysis of corporate-level strategy and therefore nicely compliments the strategy courses that EMBA students will participate in as part of their program.

Havard Business Review, Harvard Business School Publishing, published monthly

A must read for EMBA candidates and participants, The Harvard Business Review applies the best research and practice to today’s management challenges and strategic opportunities.

Sabanci University, Sabanci School of ManagementUlf Nilsson, PhD, EMBA Academic Coordinator

Fooled by randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Random House 2005

“The book offers a perspective on both careers and life in general which many students might find useful and thought-provoking. It will therefore support their personal development and a wider way of thinking.”

Freakonomics by Steven D Levitt and Stephen J Dubner, Harper Perennial 2009

“Freakonomics is creative and logical, and provides a structured approach to complex issues in an encouraging and interesting manner. It is also enjoyable to read.”

University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of BusinessAnne Nemer, Assistant Dean for Executive Degree Programs, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

Managing Across Borders: The Transnational Solution by Christopher A. Bartlett and Sumantra Ghoshal, Harvard Business School Press 1998

This business classic researches management on a global stage with examples drawn from today’s emerging international business community.

Instant Creativity: Simple Techniques to Ignite Innovation and Problem Solving by Brian Clegg and Paul Birch, Kogan-Page Limited 2007

With numerous quick and easy exercises, Instant Creativity helps readers discover fresh ideas and solutions to problems and encourages individuals and groups to use their creativity.

Deep Dive: The Proven Method for Building Strategy, Focusing Your Resources, and Taking Smart Action by Rick Horwath,  Greenleaf Book Group Press 2009

Through his research with senior executives from more than 150 companies, Horwath dissects the three most important elements of strategic thinking (acumen, allocation and action), breaks them down into simple and attainable skills and then shows readers how to apply them on a daily basis.

True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George, Gildan Media Corp 2007

True North is a practical and inspiring examination of the executive experience which guides the reader to locate what the author calls “the internal compass that guides you successfully through life”.

Virginia Tech, Pamplin College of BusinessKarime Shamloo, Assistant Director Executive MBA Program

Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, Jossey Bass 2002

In this fictional story (the last installment of a trilogy), Lencioni tells the tale of a woman who takes control of a dysfunctional high-tech company’s executive committee and helps its members succeed as a team. It is an insightful guide for those struggling with the inherent difficulties of leading a group.

Please Understand Me by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Prometheus Nemesis Book Company 1984

For those already familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality [type] test, Please Understand Me will cover some familiar territory and for those just getting acquainted with the test through this book, it will offer a nice introduction with a Jungian twist. Keirsey and Bates believe that not only is it impossible to truly change others, it’s much more important to understand and affirm our differences.

Arizona State University, WP Carey School of BusinessJames King, director of recruiting and admissions for the W.P. Carey MBA

Even You Can Learn Statistics: A Guide for Everyone Who Has Ever Been Afraid of Statistics by David F Stephan, FT Press 2009

“Because EMBA students are often anxious about their quantitative skills when joining a program, we recommend that concerned students refresh with books in the statistics and accounting areas. Even You Can Learn Statistics is a good book for helping to build some background in statistics in advance of class.”