The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) is proud to announce the recipients of the ICSB Golden Book Awards for 2024, recognizing the Top Five Essential Books of 2024. These books stand out as the pinnacle of thought leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. Each has been meticulously reviewed by ICSB, earning its place among the best for the quality of topics explored, the depth of knowledge shared, and the transformative insights presented. Each book has an extensive review by the President of ICSB.
While the ICSB Golden Book Awards do not rank these five works, we honor them equally for their remarkable contributions to academia, entrepreneurship, and small business development. Together, these books are essential for professionals, educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving world.
ICSB Five Essential Books of 2024
Book 1: Poverty, Disadvantage, and the Promise of Enterprise: A Capabilities Perspective
Authors:
Michael H. Morris is a professor of entrepreneurship & social innovation at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Development.
Susana C. Santos is an associate professor of entrepreneurship at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University.
About the Book:
Can entrepreneurship serve as a pathway out of poverty? Can low-income people create ventures to improve their economic circumstances and enhance their lives? Poverty, Disadvantage and the Promise of Enterprise: A Capabilities Perspective argues that “it depends.” To understand the poverty and entrepreneurship interface, we must first understand poverty. Using a lens of disadvantage theory and the capabilities framework, the book explores the implications of poverty’s complex, multi-dimensional nature when starting and growing a business. Four key liabilities directly impact the opportunities these individuals can recognize, the types of ventures they create, how the businesses perform, and the impacts on the entrepreneur’s well-being. Because of these liabilities, these ventures tend to fall into what the authors call the commodity trap, where they struggle with low sales volumes and marginal profits. However, the trap is avoidable, and with the right kinds of support, the performance of these ventures can be meaningfully improved. Key design elements of a successful intervention approach and an alternative perspective on the roles of community-based entrepreneurial ecosystems and public policy are introduced. Emphasis is also placed on the critical roles of faith, hustle, and fear of failure and success.
ICSB President’s Review
This book resonates deeply with me for a multitude of reasons. At its core, it delivers a profound analysis of humanity’s responsibility at a critical juncture: understanding poverty’s complexity and addressing it at its very roots. This is not merely an exercise in academic inquiry or an act of altruism—it is an imperative for all of us as global citizens. Tackling poverty is a shared responsibility, and this book masterfully articulates why entrepreneurship can serve as a meaningful pathway to achieving this goal while candidly acknowledging the challenges and nuances involved.
Mike Morris has again demonstrated why he is a luminary in entrepreneurship research. This work might well be the pinnacle of his illustrious career, as it seamlessly combines rigorous scholarship with practical insights that can shape public policy and community action. This book challenges us to rethink entrenched assumptions and inspires hope for transformative change.
Equally exciting is Susana Santos’s contribution. Her voice shines in this work, and I have no doubt she is poised to become one of the most brilliant and impactful thought leaders in entrepreneurship. Her depth of understanding and fresh perspectives make her a rising star to watch closely in the coming years.
This book is not just a read—it is a call to action. It invites us to engage more deeply with the intersection of poverty and entrepreneurship and to reimagine how we can collectively build a more equitable and empowered world.
Book 2: Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research
Author:
Herman Aguinis – The George Washington University School of Business, USA, The George Washington University
Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research takes a 360-degree view of understanding and doing research, helping readers become expert researchers, reviewers, and consumers of research. Renowned author, journal editor, and researcher Herman Aguinis distills the vast work on methodological best practices into a singular experience. Each of the 16 chapters thoroughly explains a different aspect of methodology step by step, from choosing useful and compelling research topics to reporting results accurately and credibly. Researchers at all career stages will find this text helpful to structure and conduct high-impact empirical research to produce a thesis, dissertation, or journal publication. Research consumers will find instructions on evaluating the rigor and credibility of research conducted by others. Instructors will find the book’s modular approach refreshing by assigning students the most relevant topics—from checklists of best practices to an in-depth methodology treatment. Filled with “how-to’s” and “dos and don’ts,” figures, hands-on exercises, and “Methods in Practice” boxes that summarize and apply best practices, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in producing or reading research.
ICSB President Review
Herman Aguinis is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed and accomplished researchers on the global stage. His prolific and impactful research portfolio has long set the benchmark for academic excellence. Yet, his latest book transcends even his high standards, serving as nothing less than a game-changer in research methodology.
This book redefines what it means to create “research gold.” It masterfully combines rigor, clarity, and insight to provide readers with a definitive guide that resonates with seasoned academics and budding researchers. In many ways, it evokes comparisons to The Elements of Style, the timeless masterpiece by Strunk and White that became a cornerstone for understanding English composition and style. Much like Strunk’s work, Aguinis’ book meticulously lays out the principles of research design, execution, and analysis, addressing the foundational “rules of usage,” principles of rigor, common pitfalls, and best practices. It serves as both a practical manual and an intellectual beacon, ensuring that the quality and integrity of research are upheld.
In an era when research volume often overshadows its quality, Aguinis reminds us of the essence of pure, impactful research. His work challenges us to reimagine the purpose of research—not merely as a means to publish but as a pathway to generate meaningful, credible, and actionable insights that advance human knowledge.
This book is unparalleled for anyone seeking a comprehensive, reliable, and authoritative resource on research methodology. Aguinis is not merely an author—he is an originator, setting the standard for how research should be conceptualized and executed. Whether you are a student embarking on your first research journey or an experienced scholar striving for excellence, this book is an indispensable tool that will elevate your work and deepen your understanding of the research process.
In short, Herman Aguinis’ latest contribution is more than just a book; it is a legacy. It is the go-to guide for anyone who wants to master the art and science of research, and it will undoubtedly remain a touchstone in the field for years.
Book 3: The Future of Business Schools: Purpose, Action, and Impact
Edited by Rico J. Baldegger, Former Dean and Professor, School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), University of Applied Sciences & Arts Western Switzerland,
Ayman El Tarabishy, President & CEO, International Council for Small Business (ICSB), Deputy Chair, Department of Management, School of Business, The George Washington University, US,
David B. Audretsch, Indiana University, US and the Department of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Klagenfurt, Austria,
Dafna Kariv, Professor of Entrepreneurship; Head of the dual degree Entrepreneurship-Business Administration, Adelson School of Entrepreneurship, Reichman University (RUNI), Herzliya, Israel,
Katia Passerini, Provost and Executive Vice President, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, US and
Wee-Liang Tan, Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Lee Kong Chian School of Management, Singapore Management University, Singapore.
Are business schools on the wrong track? For many years, business schools enjoyed rising enrollments, positive media attention, and growing prestige in the business world. However, due to the disruption of COVID-19, many previously ignored issues relating to MBA programs resurfaced. As a result, MBA programs now face lower enrollments and intense criticism for needing to prepare future business leaders and pay attention to essential topics like ethics, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.
The book The Future of Business Schools discusses these issues in three critical areas: complexity, sustainability, and destiny. How do we prepare students for a new and complex world? How can business schools focus on the planet’s sustainability, and how will they shape a better future for everyone? The chapters present views and suggestions of business school professors, researchers, and leaders from different contexts and countries, as well as ideas for business school stakeholders on topics from program structures, course content, and teaching materials to research topics. In addition to examples of innovations, tools are offered to help universities navigate complexity and prepare for uncertainty.
ICSB Immediate Past Chair Review:
A Visionary Exploration: The Future of Business Schools
Imagine taking a telescope and pointing it toward the stars. Through its lens, you see not just the dazzling sparkle of distant constellations but also the vast expanse of the universe. It allows you to traverse space and time, uncovering the mysteries of the cosmos while contemplating the future. This book serves as a telescope but examines business schools’ intricate past, present, and future instead of exploring the heavens.
Guided by Rico Baldegger’s expert editorial leadership and a team of distinguished contributors, this book explores the forces shaping business education. It delves into the evolution of business schools, their current challenges, and their potential futures, providing readers with a roadmap to understand and navigate the ever-changing academic and professional landscapes.
This is not just another book but a clarion call for introspection and innovation. It gives voice to faculty perspectives, shedding light on their experiences, insights, and aspirations for the future of business education. Doing so bridges the gap between academic leadership and the faculty at the heart of these institutions, making it a vital resource for business school deans, educational administrators, and policymakers.
The book goes beyond theoretical discourse to address the pressing questions facing business schools today. How can they remain relevant in an age of rapid technological advancement? What role should they address global challenges like sustainability, diversity, and ethics? How can they balance the demands of academic rigor with the need for practical, real-world impact? The answers offered in this book are grounded in deep research, practical wisdom, and forward-thinking vision.
This work is a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of education. It challenges readers to rethink the purpose and mission of business schools, urging them to adapt, innovate, and lead in a world that demands agility and resilience. This book is essential for anyone who aspires to shape the future of business education.
In many ways, this book is a telescope that reveals what is and inspires us to imagine what could be. It guides understanding the past, navigating the present, and envisioning the future of business schools. Rico Baldegger and his editorial team have crafted a masterpiece that will resonate with academic leaders and faculty alike, ensuring its place as a cornerstone in the dialogue about the future of business education.
Book 4: Agents of Innovation: Entrepreneurs, Facilitators and Intrapreneurs
Author: Louis Jacques Filion is an Emeritus Professor at HEC Montréal, Canada, where he directed the Rogers J.-A.-Bombardier Chair of Entrepreneurship from 1995 to 2016.
About Book:
What does it mean to innovate? Who are these innovators? What are their ways of thinking and acting? Answers to these questions are presented in the form of fascinating life stories. Today, the majority of innovative projects, including the creation of products/services and companies, are carried out by teams composed mainly of three different but complementary categories of innovation agents: entrepreneurs who share their vision, facilitators who support them creatively, and intrapreneurs who constantly innovate in the organizations that employ them. This book presents six remarkable life stories and suggests exercises that help prepare you to become an innovation agent.
Louis Jacques Filion and chapter co-authors Rico J. Baldegger, Candido Borges, Fernando Dolabela, Joëlle Hafsi, and Francine Riche present six fascinating case histories of three different types of agents of innovation: entrepreneurs who create new products or services, facilitators or process innovators who help entrepreneurs develop their enterprises, and intrapreneurs who innovate within the organizations that employ them. In the second part of Agents of Innovation, a set of exercises guides readers as they develop their innovative thinking process.
ICSB President Review: The Art of Storytelling and the Power of Innovation
Storytelling is one of the most influential and timeless ways to educate. A well-told story captivates the listener, drawing them into a world of compelling protagonists, daunting challenges, and, often, triumphant success. It transcends mere information, engaging the heart and mind making lessons more vivid, memorable, and impactful. This approach requires a masterful teacher—someone who can breathe life into their narratives, spark curiosity, and stir the emotions of their audience.
This book by Louis Jacques Filion is a shining example of such mastery. At its heart, it is about innovation, but rather than presenting dry theories or abstract principles, it preserves wisdom wrapped in beautiful, evocative stories. Each chapter feels like a journey filled with characters, conflicts, and insights that resonate deeply with the reader.
Filion is not just an author—he is a storyteller of the highest order. Drawing on years of experience, he skillfully weaves lessons about innovation into narratives that are as enlightening as they are engaging. His stories are not just tales—they are bridges that connect the reader to the core of thinking creatively, solving problems, and bringing ideas to life.
This book’s ability to evoke emotions while educating is exceptional. You don’t just read about innovation—you feel it. You experience the excitement of discovery, the frustration of obstacles, and the joy of breakthroughs alongside the characters. Filion’s ability to unlock these emotions in his readers sets this book apart and makes it a powerful learning tool.
So, sit back, relax, and let Louis Jacques Filion take you on a journey. With his masterful storytelling and profound insights, you will gain knowledge and be inspired to see the world—and your potential—in new and transformative ways. This is more than a book; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the final page.
Book 5: Elegant Design: A Designer’s Guide to Harnessing Aesthetics
Authors:
Dr. Iandoli is the Dean of the Collins College of Professional Studies and a Professor in the Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science Division.
Giuseppe Zollo is a professor of business and management at the University of Naples Federico II, School of Engineering and School of Architecture, Italy. With a background in architecture and information science, Giuseppe’s research focuses on complex systems, organizational learning, and sense-making.
About the book:
Users want simple designs but crave performance. More performance means more complexity. How can designers, inventors, and product managers handle this trade-off? How can they create designs that are quick to process and meaningful, unique, and memorable in an age characterized by constant information overload?
The answer is elegant design. Research insights at the intersection between cognitive science and art studies demonstrate that elegance is a form of ideal complexity sitting between the obvious and the complicated. The book shows how our minds can effectively process visual complexity by using aesthetic pleasure and judgment as a guide. Analyzing the work of great artists and designers from the perspective of how our mind appreciates complexity using aesthetic criteria, Elegant Design identifies actionable aesthetic strategies that will help you design products and user experiences that provide just the suitable complexity, leveraging aesthetic pleasure to deliver meaning and performance.
Four design strategies will help make your product more complex when it is too simple and boring. Another set of four strategies will help simplify your product when it is too complicated and confusing. By iterating between simplification and complexification, you can hit the ideal level of complexity, maximizing users’ aesthetic pleasure.
Using the same approach in the book’s writing, Luca Iandoli and Giuseppe Zollo will take you on a pleasurable journey across art, design, and history through a beautifully crafted edition that includes more than 100 images, stories, case studies, provocative takeaways, and exercises to stimulate creativity and aesthetic reasoning.
Review of ICSB President:
This book is a masterful exploration of a subject as challenging as it is captivating: the pursuit of elegance in design. At its core, the topic revolves around a delicate balancing act—how to achieve peak performance while delivering the ultimate in aesthetics, touch, and emotional resonance. It tackles the profound question of creating designs that excel in utility, beauty, and perception, a harmony encapsulated in the three Fs: Form, Function, and Feelings.
What truly sets this book apart is the authors themselves. They are not confined to a single discipline but embody a rare fusion of talents. As engineers, they bring precision and technical expertise; as business educators and leaders, they offer strategic insight and vision; and as artists, they possess a deep understanding of the subtle nuances that elevate design from the ordinary to the extraordinary. This multidimensional perspective enriches the book, offering readers an unparalleled look into the world of elegant design.
As the authors remind us, elegance is challenging to achieve. It demands more than technical skill or creative flair—it requires a level of introspection, discipline, and patience that few are willing to pursue. It calls for the courage to reject mediocrity and the perseverance to strive for perfection, even in minor details. This is a process, a philosophy, and a relentless commitment to executing at the highest level.
The book delves into the intricate interplay between practicality and artistry through its pages. It explores how great designs are born from meeting functional requirements and evoking a sense of wonder, joy, and emotional connection. The authors illustrate this through compelling examples, weaving together their vast experiences to provide insights that are as thought-provoking as they are inspiring.
Simply put, this book is itself a work of art. It embodies the elegance it seeks to describe, delivering its message with clarity, depth, and sophistication. Whether you are a designer, a leader, or simply someone who appreciates beauty in all its forms, this book will resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression. It is, in every sense, a celebration of elegance—a concept that, though elusive, remains endlessly inspiring.
