From the distinguished Charles Handy to the classic Philip Kotler to the outspoken Paul Krugman, and including such visionary leaders as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, The Thinkers 50, based on an international survey of business academics, practitioners, consultants, and journalists, reinforces the powerful influences business and popular culture have on each other. Following surveys that were conducted in 2001 and 2003 (asking the single question: Who is the most important living management thinker?), the 2005 survey is the first to be released with a companion book, applying such criteria as practicality of ideas and international outlook to determine ranking, and featuring colorful, informative, and concise profiles of the 50 individuals whose ideas most profoundly influence business today. Each profile includes information on the subject's background and primary contributions, and lists key publications and web sites. Collectively, they reflect the state of the art in contemporary management thinking and its application, separating the people and ideas with lasting impact from the passing fads. From students to entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, The Thinkers 50 provides a compendium of practical insights on the art and science of management.

Ciaran Parker is Director of Research for the London-based Business Communication Forum and an adjunct lecturer in the business school at Dublin City University. His research interests include international economics, media issues, the cultural impact of the Internet, and Irish history. Also a translator and commentator on African, Asian, and Eastern European Affairs, he is co-author of The Games Companies Play: An Insider's Guide to Surviving and Winning in Office Politics and Fool's Gold: Cautionary Tales of Greed, Speculation, and Delusion.