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 ninety-five distinct propositions about the behavior of organizations, all relevant regardless of the culture in which they are found. Thompson classifies organizations according to their technologies and environments. That organizations must meet and handle uncertainty is central to his thesis. Organizations in Action is firmly grounded in concepts and theories in the social and behavioral sciences. While it does not 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, Nonfiction

222 pages, Paperback

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.

[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.