Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives - Softcover

This by now well-established textbook gets better with each edition. The frame of normative, symbolic, modern, and postmodern perspectives is now well-established. This is an excellent introduction and guide to organization theory. (Stewart Clegg, University of Technology, Sydney)

I really like this book! Written in the first person and using a variety of interesting perspectives, Mary Jo Hatch inspires a rich repertoire of ways to expand our understanding of organizations. (Andy Van de Ven, University of Minnesota)

This is a very engaging and lucid treatment of organization theory that is equally accessible to the thoughtful manager and the seasoned scholar ... Three cheers for the Organization Theory text ... that doesn't apologise for applying theory to the study and practice of management. This excellent book again confirms Kurt Lewin's adage: "There is nothing quite so practical as a good theory. (Professor David Whetten, Marriot School of Management, Brigham Young University)

Organization Theory is unique among textbooks in organization and management. It is theoretically accurate, giving a comprehensive and up-to-date view of this dynamic, diverse and quickly developing field. In addition, the book is written in such a way that it encourages a reflexive stance towards both academic theory and organizational practices. We have used the book extensively in our undergraduate education, and it has proved to enrich students; understanding of this important field of theory and practice. (Rolf Lind, Stockholm University School of Business (Review from previous edition))

I very much welcome this second edition of Organization Theory. As a textbook it is not only comprehensive and instructive, but also original and evocative - it makes a significant contribution to the study of organizations. In particular the book demonstrates convincingly the advantages of taking a multiperspectival approach to organization theory. Taking the student through the complex literatures of modern, symbolic, and postmodern analysis it offers the reader a repertoire of new ways of understanding complex organizations. In my view it is a mist for students of organization. (John Hassard, Manchester University (Review from previous edition))

Organization Theory offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the study of organizations and organizing processes. It encourages an even-handed appreciation of the main perspectives defining our knowledge of organizations and challenges readers to broaden their intellectual reach. Organization Theory is presented in three parts:

Part I introduces the reader to theorizing using the multi-perspective approach. Part II presents different core concepts useful for analysing and understanding organizations - as entities within an environment, as social structures, technologies, cultures and physical structures, and as the products of power and political processes. Part III explores applications of organization theory to the practical matters of organizational design and change, and introduces the latest ideas, including organizational identity theory, process and practice theories, and aesthetics.

An Online Resource Centre accompanies this text and includes:

For students:
Multiple Choice Questions

For registered adopters:
Lecturer's guide
PowerPoint slides
Figures and tables from the book