Organizational Theory in Higher Education

by Kathleen Manning

The third edition of Organizational Theory in Higher Education is a comprehensive and accessible treatment of organizational theory and higher education administration. Through her presentation of both traditional and contemporary organizational theories, noted scholar Kathleen Manning offers a multi-faceted take on the models and lenses through which higher education can be viewed.

Chapters discuss the disciplinary foundation, uses, constructs, and assumptions of each organizational theory, including theories often excluded from the literature like organized anarchy, feminist, loosely coupled systems, and queer theory. Each chapter concludes with a case study and discussion questions that encourage the reader to make connections to their practice. Combining theory and practice, Manning’s rich, interdisciplinary treatment enables leaders to gain a fuller understanding of the perspectives that operate on college campuses and ways to enact inclusive, ethical change in the context of new and continuing challenges.

New to this

A new chapter on Queer Theory that presents more socially just approaches to institutional organization A new chapter on Loosely Coupled Systems presenting the application of this theory to higher education settings Revised chapters, updated theory, and new coverage that reflect current issues, such as pandemic, crisis responses, and social media Several new and revised case studies to address contemporary issues and align with current realities of higher education Updated and enhanced discussion questions to continue the conversation

Genres: Education, School

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Eric]

Read for a doctoral program class, Organizational Theory and Governance, at Union University.

It was good, helpful, and reframed some of what Birnbaum cited in his work "How Colleges Work" which was read in tandem with this text.

I felt the "modern" models of organizational theory that Manning has put forward are less models of organizational operation and more like "lenses" from which one can review traditional models. The modern models put forward do not have ability to stand up as organizational models. They can, however, influence the operations of the traditional models.

[Ginny]

I read this textbook for my Organizational Theory in Higher Education class. It was a great entry text for an overview of different organizational theories and frameworks. I enjoyed the case studies at the end of each chapter because it provided a practical application of each theory. It wasn't a dense book, but it still had a lot of great information.

[Ryan Brandon]

While the information in the book feels relevant, the examples can also feel out of date. Part of the issue of any textbook is the moment it is sent to the printer, it is already behind.

[David Guerra]

a great book on organizational theory in higher ed.

[Billy Watson]

Read for a doctoral program. Some good information but not my favorite.

[Alireza Khalili]

1

[Jenna]

Very useful for understanding the different themes and evolution of higher education.

[Laura]

Actually pretty decent for a textbook. I like the Feminist leadership style chapter.