Organizations in Action Social Science Bases of Administrative Theory

by James D. Thompson

Organizations act, but what determines how and when they will act? There is precedent for believing that the organization is but an extension of one or a few people, but this is a deceptively simplified approach, and in reality makes any generalization in organizational theory enormously difficult. Modern-day organizations - manufacturing firms, hospitals, schools, armies, community agencies - are extremely complex in nature, and several strategies, employing a variety of disciplines, are needed to gain a proper understanding of them. Organizations in Action is a classic multidisciplinary study of the behavior of complex organizations as entities. Previous books on the subject focused on the behavior of people in organizational contexts, but this volume considers individual behavior only to the extent that it helps explain the nature of organizations. James D. Thompson offers 95 distinct propositions about the behavior of organizations, all relevant regardless of the culture in which they are found. He classifies organizations according to their technologies and environments, and the theme that organizations must meet and handle uncertainty is central to the book's thesis. Organizations in Action is firmly grounded in concepts and theories in the social and behavioral sciences. While it does not seek to offer an actual theory of administration, the book successfully extends the scientific base upon which any emerging administrative theory must rest. This classic work is of continuing value to organizational and management specialists, behavioral scientists, sociologists, administrators, and policymakers.

Genres: Business

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1967

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent organizational theory on how organizations interact, not how they are structured. Recommended for beginning supervisors and managers.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A) This book is by James D Thompson, and the photo of the book verifies that. Who or what is Bertha Little Coyote? Maybe I missed a connection somewhere....
B) I worked through this book closely in grad school and have checked into it a few times since. It is a frustrating book, because the 'propositions' and much of the text are rather abstract, so they seem to be saying everything or nothing. I am sometimes amazed and grateful that someone has penetrated so deeply; I am sometimes fed up that vague obvious ideas pass as an academic accomplishment. Nonetheless, working through all that is useful, and the bibliography is thorough; this book should definitely be on the reading list for anyone interested in studying how organizations work.

[Alexander Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good conceptual model of organizations and place in modern societies that remains valid and is a foundation for research. It provides an effective classification of internal and external influences, the predictability of actions, and effects of uncertainties on organizational structure, decision tools and power.

[Alexandra Eremia]

This is among my favorite books because of format, writing style, generality.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ JUNE 2008

Good seminal work describing how organizations function.