Understanding Organisations Part I

Organisations play a crucial role in our day-to-day life though most of us are unaware of it. They permeate and pervade almost all aspects of our lives and their significance cannot therefore be overemphasized. This easy-to-read and compact book on Organisational Theory (OT) gives an account of what an organisation is and how it operates. It shows that organisations are not static entities, but are dynamic: capable of growing, changing, failing or transforming themselves.The book begins with a discussion on the perspectives and approaches needed for understanding, designing and changing organisations. It then goes on to give a description of the building blocks and the various influences that determine organisational design. The author rightly emphasizes that the ideal organisation is one that is adaptive to a specific situation. He tells not only what an organisation is, but shows how it functions, for instance, how decisions are taken, how conflicts and power interact in moulding an organisation, how values and norms influence performance, and so on. Finally, the author stresses how organisations change or are transformed or why some do not change, and highlights emerging issues in organisational design. What distinguishes the text is its Indian background. The author skillfully elucidates organisational theory with real-life examples from well-known Indian Organi-sations.Intended as a textbook for the students of Management, this study should also be ideal for practising managers, consultants and teachers.

Organizations are a part of everyday life, whether in schools, hospitals, police stations or commercial companies. In this classics text, Charles Handy argues that the key to successful organizations lies in a better understanding of the needs and motivations of the people within them. Understanding Organizations offers an extended 'dictionary' of the key concepts -- culture, motivations, leadership, role-playing, co-ordinating and consultation -- and then shows how this 'language' can help us find new solutions to familiar problems. Few management writers have been as consistently challenging and influential as Charles Handy. Firmly established as one of the core business texts, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in organizations and how to make them work better.

Understanding Organisational Context provides a comprehensive introduction to the internal and external aspects of organisations. It examines structures, resources and functions, as well as behaviour and culture, and finishes by addressing the issues involved in the management of a changing environment. The text offers strong pedagogical support with many activities integrated throughout the text to encourage the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills. This book is suitable for students taking a core introductory module on a Business Studies degree, as well as those studying business as an elective part of another course. The text is also appropriate for post-experience or postgraduate students requiring an introductory text on organisations, their behaviour and activities. New to this edition New chapter 1 'What is an Organisation?' discusses the nature of management, the organisation, and organisational theory New and revised case studies; update of all material and notable expansion of international coverage and HRM More on issues such as globalisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, SMEs and e-commerce Revised structure flows from internal environment through business functions to external environment New glossary at end of book Companion website includes Instructor Manual, PowerPoints, additional FT cases, glossary, weblinks, additional short-answer questions (with model answers), model answers to assignment questions Improved pedagogy: questions with exit cases; expanded summaries; short answer questions at end of each chapter; website references throughout New two-colour design Key Features Coverage of both internal and external aspects of business Widespread use of material from European and international sources, providing global relevance and cross-cultural perspective Ethical slant running through the book in the form of ethical issue cases and questions Organisational context diagram in chapter-opener enables clear understanding of overall model 'Check your understanding' feature enables self-assessment of progress Strong pedagogical framework encompasses objectives, entry cases, exit cases (with questions), ethical issue cases, review and assignment questions Supplements Companion Website Instructor Manual Powerpoint slides

Understanding Organizations: Theories and Images introduces students to the key principles of understanding, designing, and managing organizations in an accessible and practical way. The book provides a conceptual toolkit containing the essential models, theories and concepts needed for working in, managing and evaluating organizations. Key Features: Insightful anecdotes discuss how for- and not-for profit organizations fit within our current society from a social and economic perspective. Theoretical framework and multi-perspective approach focuses on economics, institutionalism and evolution theory highlighting the relationship between organizations, employees and the broader society. Research-focused approach analyses organizational phenomena in light of recent studies. This textbook is ideal for undergraduates and postgraduates studying general management, organizational theory, organizational design, and organizational sociology.

Understanding Organisational Context provides a comprehensive introduction to the internal and external aspects of organisations. It examines structures, resources and functions, as well as behaviour and culture, and finishes by addressing the issues involved in the management of a changing environment. The text offers strong pedagogical support with many activities integrated throughout the text to encourage the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills. This book is suitable for students taking a core introductory module on a Business Studies degree, as well as those studying bus.