ABSTRACT

This broad, balanced introduction to organizational studies enables the reader to compare and contrast different approaches to the study of organizations. This book is a valuable tool for the reader, as we are all intertwined with organizations in one form or another. Numerous other disciplines besides sociology are addressed in this book, including economics, political science, strategy and management theory. Topic areas discussed in this book are the importance of organizations; defining organizations; organizations as rational, natural, and open systems; environments, strategies, and structures of organizations; and organizations and society. For those employed in fields where knowledge of organizational theory is necessary, including sociology, anthropology, cognitive psychology, industrial engineering, managers in corporations and international business, and business strategists.

chapter 2|24 pages

Organizations as Rational Systems

chapter 3|28 pages

Organizations as Natural Systems

chapter 4|19 pages

Organizations as Open Systems

chapter 5|17 pages

Combining Perspectives, Expanding Levels

chapter 6|27 pages

Technology and Structure

chapter 7|32 pages

Labor and Structure

chapter 8|37 pages

Goals, Power, and Control

chapter 9|25 pages

The Dyadic Environment of the Organization

chapter 10|33 pages

Organization of the Environment

chapter 11|32 pages

Networks In and Around Organizations