Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives [Paperback]

Mary Jo Hatch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198774907 | ISBN-13: 978-0198774907 | Publication Date: February 27, 1997

Lively and clearly written, this comprehensive and innovative work provides a multi-disciplinary and contemporary introduction to organization theory. Offering an even-handed, balanced appreciation of different perspectives, its approach is pluralist, reflecting the diverse nature of organizational theory as a field of study influenced by thinkers from a variety of disciplines. Readers are encouraged to `adopt' these perspectives to expand their own views on the subject and to enhance their understanding. This book also introduces the multi-perspective approach, explores the ways in which organizations are analyzed, and covers topics of central importance in organizational theory, including decision-making, power, conflict, control, and change within organizations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`It is not often that you can read a work on organization theory that you feel that you can recommend to students and to practising managers. Mary Jo Hatch's book provides a good read for both groups. It presents a range of theories in a useful, attractive and accessible format that will not only enable aspiring managers to come to grips with what is going on around them, but will also enable more experienced practitioners to understand and influence what occurs in their organizations.' Professor Iain Mangham, School of Management, Bath

`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

`Mary Jo Hatch's book belongs in the select company of Scott, Perrow, and Morgan as a definitive rendering of organizational theory ... Hatch loves ideas almost as much as she loves choosing the right words to enliven them. The field of organizational studies needs this book as do those who want to position themselves for the 21st century.' Karl E. Weick, University of Michigan, USA

`For once, a textbook that does justice to the richness of organizational analysis. Required reading for everyone interested in the growing irrationality of organizations.' John Hassard, University of Keele

`Organization Theory is both a historical testimony and a peek into the future, and it will be the main guide to organization studies well into the 2000s.'' Barbara Czarniawska-Joerges, Gothenburg University, Sweden

`Few books so successfully communicate the spirit and possibility of enquiry ... Here students will learn, and learn to use for themselves, modernist, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives ... If you want a current text that is broad, coherent, and reader-friendly, then look no further!' Stewart Clegg, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

`A useful summary of the historical perspective.' Long Range Planning

A comprehensive introduction to the study of organizations, with an appraisal of the different perspectives that have contributed to the knowledge of organizations. The volume is developed in three parts. Part 1 introduces the multi-perspective approach. Part 2 explores the ways in which organizations are analysed, notably as entities within an environment, as subjects of strategic action, as technologies, as structures, as cultures and as physical structures. Part 3 covers topics of central importance in organization theory including decision making, power, conflict, control, and change within organizations./International review of Administrative Sciences (IRAS) Number 1. 1999.

`"Like the different perspectives presented rather than simply the modern which seems to be typical of most popular texts in this area".' J G Whinney, Senior Lecturer, University of Ulster

About the Author

Mary Jo Hatch, Professor of Organization Theory, School of Management, Cranfield University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198774907
• ISBN-13: 978-0198774907
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #882,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to look at organizations?, October 24, 2000

By 

"dariusz_jemielniak" (Warsaw Poland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives (Paperback)

The book is an academic level state-of-the-art of organization theory. Definitely the best contemporary book in the field - suitable for all the students, but also for academics and practitioners. It covers both historical and current issues. Though pretty comprehesive, still comprehendable. In lay man language Hatch writes about most difficult issues of organization theory - structure, environment, culture, etc. are all covered, usually with some alternative perspectives (e.g. 'organizational culture' is described also from postmodern and symbolic perspectives, current books and papers are referred etc.).

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doctoral research material, August 28, 2001

By 

Ken Romano (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives (Paperback)

Hatch writes in a consise and informative manner. It is not the type of writing that you wonder what you just read. Her writing holds the reader's interest by keeping her style uncomplicated in word and thought. The breath of orgainzational information is outstanding and the depth of each topic seems to be at a level to keep you reading but not overloaded and bored. Highly recommended for org research.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dry, but informative, March 13, 2006

By 

Meghan Aberle "meg" (washington, dc) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives (Paperback)

I'm not sure how attention grabbing org theory can be, but this book was very informative and understandable. The chapters are a nice size, and the summaries are useful.