The Sociology of Organizations
Classic, Contemporary, and Critical Readings
- Michael J Handel - Northeastern University
Sociology of Organizations
- Walter W. Powell, Stanford University
"A unique reader and commentary with broad coverage of the classics, combined with a healthy skepticism about received theories and an emphasis on the impact of organizations on society. The lucid commentary brightens the field."
- Charles Perrow, Yale University
For the first time, a single volume offers a comprehensive selection of primary readings and companion overview essays on the sociology of organizations. These readings and essays provide incisive and guided coverage of the subjects normally included in a one-semester sociology of organizations course.
The Sociology of Organizations covers the full range of theoretical perspectives and substantive topics through readings that are either classics in the field or widely discussed and debated "new classics."
Section introductions explain key terms and concepts, provide illustrations, and summarize related debates and research in clear prose. The depth of these overview essays makes this book ideal for use as either as a stand-alone text or a supplementary reader. After reading this book, students will have a thorough understanding of central concepts and an appreciation of the primary texts that are the foundation of the field.
Scholars and students in the fields of sociology, management, organizational behavior, and organizational psychology and those within political science and economics who are interested in how organizations function will find this work a welcome, invaluable resource.
"Michael Handel has assembled an authoritative and
wide-ranging collection of key articles in the organizations field, and
complements these papers with a terrific critical survey of the literature. His
introductory essays will benefit both students and researchers alike. This
collection is a real service to the field."
"A unique
reader and commentary with broad coverage of the classics, combined with a
healthy skepticism about received theories and an emphasis on the impact of
organizations on society. The lucid commentary brightens the field."
good book. fundamental to the study of organizations. accessible and easy to understand. well organized.
Excellent book will use again next semester. Only problem is students are complaining about the cost.
A useful text to assist students in meeting module learning outcomes. Helpful chapters on heirarchies, Fordism & post-fordism, Taylorism and cultures supports learning. The section on democratic alternatives and local government structure further supports learning and provides background to the emergence of mutuals in social care settings.
A collection of classic and 'must-read' articles about organisations, for a non-sociologist teaching management and organisational theory, this text is eye-opening and informative - it offers a new perspective to the world of management and organisations that will certainly help transform my teaching and my students' learning.
Handel has edited a book with the most important readings of organisational theory in such a way that it is the right material for first year undergraduates to learn about the theories and their existence, through the introductions, but made it also a classical handbook which have to be found in the shelves of every teacher lecturing organisational theory courses.
I think this is a great handbook and I use some articles from it in my courses but the cost is prohibitive for an undergraduate course. If it was less expensive I would use as a required text (I do use as a recommended text).
Sage College Publishing
