Organization Theory: A Practice Based Approach

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199569304 ISBN 13: 9780199569304

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2011

Moving away from the more traditional linear narrative approach of other textbooks, Organization Theory: A Practice Based Approach addresses the subject in an exciting new way that is appealing to today's students. The authors identify the key questions, problems, and issues that practitioners face and then discuss relevant theories. In addition to traditional topics, they cover issues that are not always included in other texts--boundary spanning, leadership, quality management, strategic change, and developmental psychology/organizational learning--putting organizational theory into context and helping students to more easily engage with the material. In addition, a wide range of case studies illustrate how organizational theory applies to real-life situations.

Organization Theory: A Practice Based Approach is enhanced by a Companion Website that offers resources for both students and instructors:

For students:

* "What Happened Next" updates provide expanded versions of many of the cases in the book, detailing new developments and interesting outcomes
* Multiple-choice questions
* Further online reading and research

For instructors:

* Images from the book
* PowerPoint-based slides
* Seminar exercises
* Teaching notes
* Test bank

About the Author:

Tomas Mullern is Professor of Business Administration at Jonkoping International Business School. Alexander Styhre is Chair of Organization Theory and Management, Dept of Business Administration at the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg. Dr. Ulla Eriksson-Zetterquist is Associate Professor at the Gothenburg Research Institute, School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg.

Review:

"This material is presented very differently than in existing organizational books. It starts with 'real life,' and then links and applies the various theories and concepts. This creates a very interesting read, and I believe that most students will find this style easy to grasp."--Bruce Mitchell, Oxford Brookes University

"This new book has many strengths. The questions--especially the chapter study questions--are highly relevant and are an extremely good starting point for class discussions and group work. Brilliant! The definition boxes also make the book very useful as a 'working tool.'"--Jeanette Lemmergaard, University of Southern Denmark and Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University