Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras is a landmark business book examining what distinguishes exceptional companies that endure over time. Based on a six-year research project conducted at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, the authors studied 18 visionary companies and compared them with successful competitors to identify the organizational practices, values, and strategies associated with long-term success. <Cite refs={["turn219003search1","turn219003search2"]}/>
The book explores how businesses can preserve their core purpose while continually adapting, innovating, and pursuing ambitious goals. Its influential concepts include building organizations rather than depending on individual leaders, preserving core values while encouraging progress, setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), and creating strong company cultures. Through business examples and practical frameworks, Collins and Porras offer insights for entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and anyone interested in developing organizations designed to succeed across generations. <Cite refs={["turn219003search1","turn219003search3"]}/>
Key Topics
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Business strategy and long-term growth
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Visionary companies and enduring success
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Corporate culture and core values
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Organizational leadership
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Business innovation and continuous improvement
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Company purpose and mission
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Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)
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Entrepreneurship and management
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Sustainable competitive advantage
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Building organizations beyond individual leaders
Why Read This Book?
Built to Last is a valuable resource for readers who want to understand how successful organizations establish lasting principles without becoming resistant to change. It combines research, business case studies, and actionable management concepts that can inform strategic planning and organizational development.
Whether you are launching a business, managing a growing company, or studying leadership, the book provides a framework for thinking about company purpose, culture, innovation, and sustained performance. Its ideas make it a useful companion to Collins's later bestseller, Good to Great. <Cite refs={["turn219003search1","turn219003search3"]}/>
About the Authors
Jim Collins is a business researcher, author, and teacher known for studying organizational performance, leadership, and business growth. His bestselling books include Good to Great, Built to Last, and How the Mighty Fall.
Jerry I. Porras is an organizational theorist and Professor Emeritus at Stanford Graduate School of Business. His research focuses on organizational change, corporate purpose, and the values and practices that help companies build lasting performance. <Cite refs={["turn219003search1","turn219003search6"]}/>
Product Details
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Book Title: Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
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Authors: Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras
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Language: English
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Format: English Paperback
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Genre: Business / Management / Leadership / Corporate Strategy
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Publisher: HarperBusiness
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Publication Date: 2002 edition
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ISBN-13: 9780060516406
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Pages: 368
These specifications correspond to the HarperBusiness paperback edition. Other editions have different ISBNs, publication dates, and page counts. <Cite refs={["turn219003search7","turn219003search8"]}/>
