Rather than a brief intro I'll get the point,  I like parables for the following reason:

• They are typically a quick read.  Most can be read in 2 - 3 hours with ease.
• The books are focused on one key issue in the workplace.  While some parables try and show the impact on an individual's personal life these type of books are typically marketed to corporations so lets be real about it.
• These books normally illustrate one point extremely effectively.  For example, in Fish! the authors clearly show how workers attitudes can impact a setting  work environment and the worker's quality of life away from work.
• These are the kinds of books that employees will read (great for training programs) as they are 100-200 pages in length and easy to read so a massive investment of time and energy isn’t required by employees.  As a result, they are typically pitched to corporations by the authors or their companies to deal with an issue that might be arising within the corporation.  The net goal of these books is to try and save money or generate additional revenue.  Companies don't give away these books for nothing.  They hope to get a return from the investment.

The cons of such book are quite easy to notice:

• Many are inspirational but lack business acumen.  Very few come with business plans so that companies can replicate the kind of fictional success that is attained in the books.

• Oftentimes most mangers don't "practice what they preach".  At the end of the day I find that many manages wouldn't know the term "social capital" if it bit them in the rear.  Have you ever noticed how some companies have workers who would run through brick walls for them and consistently attain amazing results whereas others loom with operational problems year after year and have employees who jump ship quickly?  Managers need to understand that, at the end of the day, business is about dealing with people and how you get enhanced productivity out of those people is through understanding them and helping them understand others, as well as themselves.

• Normally managers are trying to attain a desired operational goal such as "creating an innovative and accountable work environment where a playful, attentive, and engaging attitude leads to more energy, enthusiasm, productivity, and creativity.”  In saying this I mean that these books are designed to be sold to managers and corporations.

• I found some are Pathetic when it comes to actual implementation.  The worst one I have come across is Raving Fans, which tries to show how excellent customer service can have a profound impact on word of mouth advertising and the success of a business.  While I agree with the basic thesis there are business implications for doing certain things.  Does the customer VALUE the service you are providing? Will they pay a premium for such service? 

My problem with parables is that I consistently find nothing earth shattering about them; they don't change my paradigm (the way I look at business or the world we live in).  Additionally, most parables don't seem to take into account that there are business implications to just about every decision you make.  Finally, most are VERY expensive on a cost per page basis ($20.00 at the bookstore and normally $14.00 or so at Amazon for less than 200 pages with lots of empty space per page). 

If you want a great book on business principles I highly encourage everyone to read The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker.  Jack Welch is a big Drucker fan and this book is a compilation of his best work of over 60 years and 30 books on management principles.