This broad, balanced introduction to organizational studies enables the reader to compare and contrast different approaches to the study of organizations. This book is a valuable tool for the reader, as we are all intertwined with organizations in one form or another. Numerous other disciplines besides sociology are addressed in this book, including economics, political science, strategy and management theory. Topic areas discussed in this book are the importance of organizations; defining organizations; organizations as rational, natural, and open systems; environments, strategies, and structures of organizations; and organizations and society. For those employed in fields where knowledge of organizational theory is necessary, including sociology, anthropology, cognitive psychology, industrial engineering, managers in corporations and international business, and business strategists.

W. Richard Scott is a professor at Stanford University and is the author of numerous books, including the best-selling Organizations: Rational, Natural and Open Systems, which this new book replaces.

Gerald F. Davis is a professor of Management and Organizations in the University of Michigan Business School. He brings extensive knowledge of strategy, social networks and social movements to this new book.

1. The Subject is Organizations; The Verb is Organizing 2. Organizations as Rational Systems 3. Organizations as Natural Systems 4. Organization as Open Systems 5. Combining Perspectives, Expanding Levels 6. Technology and Structure 7. Labor and Structure 8. Goals, Power, and Control 9. The Dyadic Environment of the Organization