Organization Theory Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives

by Hatch, Mary Jo

• ISBN13: 9780198774907
• ISBN10: 0198774907
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-02-27
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This text offers a comprehensive and original introduction to organization theory and is designed to provide an even handed, balanced appreciation of the different perspectives that have contributed to our knowledge about organizations. The text's approach is pluralist, reflecting the diversenature of organizational theory as a field of study influenced by thinkers from a variety of academic disciplines. Specifically, perspectives described as 'modern', 'symbolic-interpretive' and 'postmodern' frame the analysis. Students are encouraged to 'adopt' these perspectives to expand theirown view and to enhance their understanding. A key question addressed throughout the text is the nature of the relationship between organizational theories and the reality these theories describe.Organization Theory is in three parts:* Part 1 introduces the multi-perspective approach* Part 2 explores the ways in which organizations are analysed - as entities within an environment; as subjects of strategic action; as technologies; as social structures; as cultures; and as physical structures* Part 3 covers topics of central importance in organizational theory including decision-making, power, conflict, control and change within organizations.To aid learning the text offers many diagrammatical and conceptual models and each chapter includes a summary, a list of key terms and pointers to further reading.

Table of Contents

PART I. WHAT IS ORGANIZATION THEORY?	1	(60)
Why Study Organization Theory?	3	(18)
Histories, Metaphors, and Perspectives in Organization Theory	21	(40)
PART II. CORE CONCEPTS OF ORGANIZATION THEORY	61	(206)
The Environment of Organization	63	(38)
Strategy and Goals	101	(26)
Technology	127	(34)
Organizational Social Structure	161	(39)
Organizational Culture	200	(41)
The Physical Structure of Organizations	241	(26)
PART III. KEY ISSUES AND THEMES IN ORGANIZATION THEORY	267	(114)
Organizational Decision Making, Power, and Politics	269	(31)
Conflict and Contradiction in Organizations	300	(27)
Control and Ideology in Organizations	327	(23)
Organizational Change and Learning	350	(31)
Index	381