The Post-Bureaucratic Organization

New Perspectives on Organizational Change

"The book is well organized and well written. After reading the book, I am convinced that our organizations must change in the directions prescribed by the authors, if these organizations are to succeed in this postindustrial, global age." --Personnel Psychology What is wrong with bureaucracy? What does the post-bureaucratic organization offer in the way of improvement? These and other provocative questions are addressed in this well-integrated collection of articles by leading scholars in the field of organizational change. The far-reaching implications of the transformation of organizations from bureaucratic to post-bureaucratic are critically examined. This outstanding volume begins with a definition of the "ideal" post-bureaucratic organization. It then critiques some of the fundamental assumptions of bureaucratic organizations such as the ethic of individual merit, decision-making roles, and coordinated effort. The contributors analyze the change process from bureaucracy to post-bureaucracy and three alternative approaches to bureaucracy including the virtual organization, the team organization, and the quality organization. The Post-Bureaucratic Organization concludes with two case studies that illustrate both the strengths and weaknesses of post-bureaucratic organizations. Ideal for scholars of organizational behavior, sociology of organizations, organizational psychology, and for those who are interested in the latest developments in corporate reorganization.