Author, nurse, and educator Rodriguez builds upon her previous publications aimed at nursing and the physical sciences with this concise exploration of balance theory as applied to organizational leadership. In seven chapters and four diagrams, along with associated notes and a bibliography, Rodriguez explains that "the balance concept is applicable in any area of human endeavor and leadership is a major factor in modern life . . . all the related sciences support its existence in all areas of life." A central premise of the theory is that the five elements of balance—adaptation, equilibrium, homeostasis, needs, and health—as applied to human survival also apply to organizations and organizational leadership. Organizations, Rodriguez posits, can only reflect the people who work, manage, and lead within them.

The author explains that there are two styles of leadership that are most conducive to organizational health—"transformational" and "servant"—but that, ultimately, any leadership behavior must focus on the five elements of balance. As balance concepts are already applied in numerous and varied fields that range from hard sciences and technology fields to social sciences, the arts, humanities, and even economics, any organization or profession can likely benefit from studying this volume. The writing style leans more to the academic side, but the text is still meticulous, clear, and straightforward. Each chapter thoroughly examines, defines, and defends the author's theoretical construct and the associated concepts that support it. Rodriguez suggests that by "using the Balance Theory as the theoretical foundation of organizational leadership," she hopes "that a deeper understanding of human nature will emerge which will be essential in leading organizations."

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