Organizational Theory

This shortform book presents an overview of theoretical and empirical work in the field of organization theory. In doing so, it both provides a critical analysis of the state of knowledge in the field and offers recommendations for future directions. It is about both thinking differently, and considering what is already known within Organization Theory. With coverage of the foundations of organisation studies, the importance of bureaucracy, and insights into institutional approaches, the book also makes space to consider the key role of alternatives in the development of the field. A panoply of modes of organizing the modern economy and civil society have arisen wherein it is often said that the platform has replaced the pyramid. Yet, in 2022, the pandemic underscores the state’s responsibility to maintain public health through centralized and coherent organization rather than outsourcing, subcontracting and the gig economy. The book offers a new direction for research focusing upon ‘organizational camouflage’, where the unmasking of the large hierarchical corporation’s enduring role in governing our everyday lives would become Organization Theory’s revelatory task. Organization Theory: A Research Overview will be of value to researchers, scholars and students in the fields of business and management, especially those interested in the intersection of politics and organizations.

Organizations must adapt to changing and often challenging environments. This third Canadian edition helps students understand and design organizations for today’s complex environment. The concepts and models offered in this text are integrated with changing events in the real world, presenting the most recent thinking and providing an up-to-date view of organizations. Detailed Canadian examples and cases capture the richness of the Canadian experience, while international examples accurately represent Canada’s role in the world.

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

Organizational Theory for Equity and Diversity covers the full range of organizational theories as applied to educational leadership practice and research, exploring not only traditional perspectives but also critically oriented epistemologies including Critical Race Theory; LatCrit, Asian, Tribal Crit, and Black Crit; Disability Studies theories; feminist theories; Queer Theory, and theories of intersectionality. Each chapter features teaching suggestions, discussion questions, and questions to help aspiring leaders critically analyze their leadership strengths and limitations in order to understand, apply, and integrate theories into practice. This valuable text provides aspiring school leaders and administrators with the theory and tools for creating equitable and diverse schools that are effective and sustainable.

Electronic Inspection Copy available for instructors here From agency theory to power and politics, this indispensable guide to the key concepts of organization theory is your compass as you navigate through the often complex and abstract theories about the design and functioning of organizations. Designed to complement and elucidate your textbook or reading list, as well as introduce you to concepts that some courses neglect, this historical and interdisciplinary account of the field: - Helps you understand the basics of organization theory - Allows you to check your understanding of specific concepts - Fills in any gaps left by your course reading, and - Is a powerful revision tool Each entry is consistently structured, providing a definition of the concept and why it's important to theory and practice, followed by a summary of current debates and a list of further reading. This companion will provide you with the nuts and bolts of an understanding that will serve you not just in your organization studies course, but throughout your degree and beyond. Key concepts include: agency theory; business strategy; corporate governance; decision making; environmental uncertainty; globalization; industrial democracy; organizational change; stakeholder theory; storytelling and narrative research; technology and organization structure.

2) How has organization theory developed over time, and what structure has the field taken? What assumptions does knowledge produced in organization theory incorporate, and what forms do its knowledge claims take as they are put forward for public adoption? 3) How have certain well-known controversies in organization theory, such as for example, the structure/agency dilemma, the study of organizational culture, the different modes of explanation, the micro/macro controversy, and the differnet explanations produced by organizational economists and sociologists, been dealt with? 4) How, and in what ways, is knowledge generated in organization theory related to action? What features must organization theory knowledge have in order to be actionable, and of relevance to the world 'out there'? How have ethical concerns been taken into account in organization theory? 5) What is the future of organization theory? What direction should the field take? What must change in the way research is conducted and key theoretical terms are conceptualized so that organization theory enhances its capacity to generate valid and relevant knowledge?

Gareth Morgan believes that examining organizations and management should be interesting, creative, practical, challenging, and directly relevant to the needs of all students of organization and management. In an ingenious and utterly delightful selection of organizational "stories," Morgan presents unique insights drawn from actual corporate (as well as nonprofit, public, and institutional) experience. These carefully chosen examples illustrate both organizational success and failures . . . because we can learn from both! These "stories" offer the depth and breadth of perspective we have come to expect from Morgan′s insightful and often witty framework of organizational analysis. And, they are interwoven with excerpts from many of the "classics" in organizational literature. His aptly named "Mindstretchers" entices the reader to expand his or her personal repertoire of approaches to the understanding of and solutions to organizational problems and challenges. For instructors in the field of organizational studies who wish to have a broad and creative resource for their courses, this book is a resource you will use and reuse for many years to come. Followed by cases and exercises--again drawn from both private and public sectors--that challenge us to view organizations in new and different ways, Creative Organization Theory will undoubtedly prove to be a truly "mindstretching" book! This exciting and enjoyable volume is one you′ll turn to frequently. "An inspiration for the creative tutor . . . . and an excellent fund of knowledge and information for the teacher in the disciplines of business, management, and organizational theory. The book contains mindstretching and broadening ways of enhancing the thinking processes of anyone engaged in the study of organizations--a subject which otherwise provokes much yawning and other signs of boredom. The author provides much-needed refreshment and is revolutionary in his approach." --Simulation/Games for Learning "A rich complement to primary management texts, especially Morgan′s provocative Images of Organization. Although the book′s focus is private sector, the perspectives of organization are universal and translation to the public sector is smooth. Creative Organization Theory particularly is imaginative in challenging students to abandon set ways of thinking using a rich mix of ′′mind stretching′′ exercises, diverse articles, and stimulating cases." --Robert Mier, University of Illinois, Chicago "This resourcebook contains ideas, stories, cases, exercises, and pieces of information that will help the reader gain a broadbased understanding of the nature and function of modern organizations . . . . Very useful for teaching, as well as being a good read for those with a particular interest in this important subject." --Long Range Planning