Complex Organizations: A Critical Essay

by Charles Perrow

A classic text in sociology, Complex Organizations provides a succinct overview of the principal schools of thought of organizational theories, placing each into critical, historical, and cultural context. Vividly written, with many specific, student-oriented examples, Complex Organizations offers a critical perspective on organizations, analyzing their impact on individuals, groups, and society as a whole. Charles Perrow's cogent examination of organizational theory has bridged the gap between two academic disciplines, sociology and business administration, and has won over readers (including many students) with its enthusiasm for the subject. Charles Perrow is professor emeritus of sociology at Yale University and visiting professor at Stanford University. His interests include the development of bureaucracy in the 19th century, protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, the prospects for democratic work organizations, and the origins of American capitalism. "In a very real sense, this book is in a class by itself. . . . It has achieved the status of a 'classic.' . . . There is no other single volume which provides such a thoughtful and incisive critique of organizational theory." -Robert Rothman, Professor Department of SociologyUniversity of Delaware "As a work that has influenced the field, Complex Organizations is in a sparse, distinguished company. It is widely known and cited and is taken seriously as an articulate critique of much of its field. Its strength lies in its intelligence, its irreverence, and its author's reputation. There is much here, by way of analysis and critique that simply cannot be found in other texts." -Steven Kerr, Associate DeanSchool of Business AdministrationUniversity of Southern California

Genres: Sociology, Business, Social Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Academic

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant! The author puts all the major organizational theories into historical and cultural context. Plus, he adds some perspicacious editorializing along the way. This is perfect for a grad seminar in org theory.

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit pro bureaucracy/top down mentality, but still valuable for looking at such systems.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not fun too read! The book takes easy concepts and writes them in difficult, hard to read texts!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read this, but I recall that it really was an eye-opener into the nature and role of bureaucracies. I've never been able to go into the DMV since without thinking about these lessons.

But I really should re-read it, since I'm sure I've forgotten 95% of the thing.

I also recall it is one of the three books that drove me to grad school, along with Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions and Allison's Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still in the middle of this, but one of the best, liveliest, and shortest books I've ever read on bureaucracy and organizations.