Organizations: Structure, Processes, and Outcomes

Based upon classical and contemporary theory and empirical research, this book forms a sociological analysis of organizations, focusing on the impacts that organizations have upon individuals and society. Chapter topics include the nature of organizations, organizational structure, power and power outcomes, leadership, decision making, communication, change, organizational environments and interorganizational relationships, organizational theory, and organizational effectiveness. For individuals and industry professionals interested in the sociology of organizations and organizational behavior.

This ninth edition of Organizations: Structures, Processes, and Outcomes has undergone a major revision. Pamela S. Tolbert is now a coauthor and has rewritten three of the chapters. A large number of out-of-date references have been removed. We have tried to make each chapter reflect the cutting edge of the field of sociology of organizations, while retaining the insights that previous research has revealed.

Many contemporary organizations are coping with an array of major crises, ranging from terrorism to financial collapse. In the face of these changing conditions, the way in which many organizations continue to function, providing the stability our society needs to persist on its course, is remarkable. This book is intended to help readers understand the sources of both change and stability in modern organizations.

We have retained the overviews at the beginning of each chapter and the exercises at the end of each chapter. These appear to be useful resources for students. We have made strong efforts to make this edition more accessible to beginning students of organizations, while still indicating nuances of theories and research that may be of particular interest to those with a stronger background in the field.