This book stresses the role of uncorrelated exchange of properties between macroscopic systems and their surroundings as the only source of dynamic irreversibility. To that end, fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics extended to the non-equilibrium are worked out carefully. The principles are then applied to selected problems in classical fluid dynamics. Transport coefficients are first derived from basic laws. This is followed by a full discussion of transitions to dissipative structures in selected systems far removed from equilibrium (Bénard and Taylor vortices, calculation of the critical Reynolds number for transition to turbulence in Poiseuille flow). The final part focuses on interaction of matter with light. Fundamentals are extended towards quantum-mechanical systems. Applied to coherent radiation and its interaction with matter, the proposed thermodynamic treatment introduces an original discussion into the quantum nature of micro-physics.The book questions and reconsiders a deeply rooted paradigm in macroscopic dynamics concerning the cause of irreversibility. The new proposal is illustrated by application to a couple of well documented non-equilibrium domains, namely fluid dynamics and laser physics.Contents: Part I: Thermodynamics:From Liouville to BoltzmannThe Entropy and its DerivativesThe Extended Massieu FunctionMechanical EquilibriumPart II: Fluid Dynamics:Thermal ConductionViscosityAcoustic AbsorptionThermal DissipationBénard-Rayleigh's Thermal ConvectionTaylor VorticesPoiseuille FlowNavier-Stokes vs LiouvillePart III: Laser Physics:InterludeMatter and LightStatisticsRadiative DecayCollisional RelaxationLaser ActionLaser OsmosisSaturationLaser Induced DriftConclusionsReadership: Researchers and graduate students in fluid dynamics and laser physics.Key Features:Combines perspectives of leading management scholars on a very timely topic (virtues in organizations) that has been largely neglected in the literaturePresents cutting-edge thinking and research in multiple forms — conceptual treatments, empirical articles, cases, essays, and interviews. It serves as an ideal text for courses or training programs on ethical and positive management and leadership. Similarly, it can be used as a valuable reference for academics, trainers, consultants and professional managersTranscends academic disciplinary boundaries for greater insight and synergy of divergent perspectives about virtuous organizing and leadershipHighlights the importance of virtuous behavior and management beyond traditional business values and offers innovative thinking that can potentially infuse organizations with greater integrity and wisdomProvides real-life examples/cases of organizations that have demonstrated practical applications of virtuous management in crises, ordinary and exemplary times