Creative Organization Theory: A Resourcebook

Gareth Morgan believes that examining organizations and management should be interesting, creative, practical, challenging, and directly relevant to the needs of all students of organization and management. In an ingenious and utterly delightful selection of organizational "stories," Morgan presents unique insights drawn from actual corporate (as well as nonprofit, public, and institutional) experience. These carefully chosen examples illustrate both organizational success and failures . . . because we can learn from both! These "stories" offer the depth and breadth of perspective we have come to expect from Morgan′s insightful and often witty framework of organizational analysis. And, they are interwoven with excerpts from many of the "classics" in organizational literature. His aptly named "Mindstretchers" entices the reader to expand his or her personal repertoire of approaches to the understanding of and solutions to organizational problems and challenges.

For instructors in the field of organizational studies who wish to have a broad and creative resource for their courses, this book is a resource you will use and reuse for many years to come.

Followed by cases and exercises--again drawn from both private and public sectors--that challenge us to view organizations in new and different ways, Creative Organization Theory will undoubtedly prove to be a truly "mindstretching" book! This exciting and enjoyable volume is one you′ll turn to frequently.

"An inspiration for the creative tutor . . . . and an excellent fund of knowledge and information for the teacher in the disciplines of business, management, and organizational theory. The book contains mindstretching and broadening ways of enhancing the thinking processes of anyone engaged in the study of organizations--a subject which otherwise provokes much yawning and other signs of boredom. The author provides much-needed refreshment and is revolutionary in his approach."

--Simulation/Games for Learning

"A rich complement to primary management texts, especially Morgan′s provocative Images of Organization. Although the book′s focus is private sector, the perspectives of organization are universal and translation to the public sector is smooth. Creative Organization Theory particularly is imaginative in challenging students to abandon set ways of thinking using a rich mix of ′′mind stretching′′ exercises, diverse articles, and stimulating cases."

--Robert Mier, University of Illinois, Chicago

"This resourcebook contains ideas, stories, cases, exercises, and pieces of information that will help the reader gain a broadbased understanding of the nature and function of modern organizations . . . . Very useful for teaching, as well as being a good read for those with a particular interest in this important subject."

--Long Range Planning

Gareth Morgan is well known for his creative contributions to management. He is the author of seven books, including Images of Organization, Creative Organization Theory, Imaginization and Riding the Waves of Change. He acts as consultant and seminar leader to numerous organizations throughout Europe and North America, and is Distinguished Research Professor at York University in Toronto. He has sat on the editorial boards of the Academy of Management, and Organization Studies; and is a Life Fellow of the International Academy of Management. Born in Wales, he now lives in Toronto with his wife, Karen and their children Evan and Heather.