Understanding Business Organisations

Despite sweeping changes in organisational theory and practice, most productive activity still takes place within organisations. This volume makes it clear that despite waves of change, organisational theory remains vially relevant to todays student of business. This book introduces the student to classic debates and new perspectives on organisations through a wide ranging but approachable selection of readings. It: considers why organisations matter to employees and customers discusses theories of the organisation as a mode of empowerment and of control Examining these theories in the light of current programmes of organisational change, gives the book a case study element that will be invaluable for teaching and learning

Graeme Salaman is Professor of Organisation Studies at The Open University, where he is Director of the Business Studies program. he has written more than fifty books and articles in the areas of organisational analysis, the sociology of work and strategic human resource management.