Product DescriptionThis 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 diverse nature 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 their own 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.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`An impressive introduction to the applications of post-modernist concepts of organization theory' Patricia Lord, Thames Valley University"A holistic approach to organisation theory", Dinah Bennett, University of Durham"Very readable, broad range, student friendly. I like the linking of these partic