Power and Organizations

by Stewart R. Clegg, David Courpasson, Nelson X. Phillips

In this tour de force, authors Stewart R. Clegg, David Courpasson, and Nelson Phillips provide a comprehensive account of power and organizations, unlocking power as the central relation of modern organizations and society. The authors present an excellent synthesis of organization, social and political theory to offer an overview of power and organizations that is historically informed, addresses current issues, and is comprehensive in scope.

468 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2006

About the author

Clegg, S.R., 1947-
Clegg, Stewart, 1947-
Clegg, Stewart R., 1947-

Reviews

[Sarah Clement · Rating 4 out of 5]

I primarily skimmed this book, but I did read some sections in detail. From what I did read, I think this is a really great theoretical book that includes a huge amount of information. I found it quite dense and difficult to understand at times, so it's a book that requires concentration if you are really interested in understanding the genesis and present day understanding of theory in this area. I think if my thesis had a bigger focus on power in organisations, this would be one of my go-to books.

[Pola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good text book, focuses mostly on concepts of post-structural or constructivist power rather than old-style coercive power or "force". Should be required reading for anyone interested in organizational behavior, even if it does not adopt rationalist or quantitative-based theories. Would not recommend for classical political scientists or International Relations theorists.