Parkinson's Law or The Pursuit of Progress by C. Northcote Parkinson ;  vintage paperback ; published in England ; 1961 edition


"Parkinson's Law or The Pursuit of Progress" is a book written by C. Northcote Parkinson and first published in 1958. The book explores the concept of Parkinson's Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. 

In this book, Parkinson examines various aspects of human behavior and organizational dynamics, particularly within bureaucracies. He argues that as organizations grow, they tend to become less efficient and more focused on maintaining their own existence rather than achieving their goals. Parkinson suggests that this is due to factors such as increased staff, bureaucratic procedures, and the tendency for work to multiply and expand.

Parkinson's Law has become widely recognized and applied in various fields, including business management, project planning, and time management. The book offers insights into how organizations can combat inefficiency and improve productivity by understanding and addressing the underlying principles of Parkinson's Law.

"The Pursuit of Progress" is an alternate title for the book, used in some editions. It reflects the author's emphasis on the need for organizations to actively pursue progress and counteract the natural tendencies towards inefficiency and stagnation.

Overall, "Parkinson's Law or The Pursuit of Progress" is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom about work and productivity. It continues to be influential in understanding and improving organizational dynamics.