Organization Theory

Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives

Fourth Edition

Mary Jo Hatch

A well-established and highly regarded text written by a trusted expert in the field.
The only textbook to explain core concepts from the three dominant perspectives in organization theory, providing a distinctive approach that encourages thought, critique, and discussion.
Clear, comprehensive coverage of the key topics is delivered through the author's characteristically engaging style to immerse students and stimulate active engagement with the subject.
Case studies, student activities, and relevant diagrams make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

New to this Edition:

Thoroughly restructured and revised to reflect the most recent developments in organization theory.
A more applied approach is delivered via new 'Theory to Practice' boxes and case studies, which ask students to evaluate the practical uses of organizational theory in a range of settings.
New 'Think like a Theorist' and 'Exercise those Perspectives' boxes bring theorizing to life by encouraging students to approach situations and organizations as a theorist and from multiple perspectives, thus developing crucial critical thinking skills.
A new chapter exploring organizational identity and other key concepts through the author's extensive research at the Carlsberg Group demonstrates the practical application of organization theory and shows how research findings are used constructively by a company.
Chapter 1 is fully revised with a new emphasis on how and why organizational theory is an essential subject to study for anyone looking to progress in a business environment.
Additional diagrams, images, and colour make this edition more accessible and engaging than ever before.

Organization Theory

Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives

Fourth Edition

Mary Jo Hatch

Description

Organization Theory offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the study of organizations and organizing processes. Through the unique three-perspective approach, students are challenged to explain, explore, and evaluate organizational theory, drawing on their own experiences as well as the book's diverse practical examples.

The fourth edition includes a host of new learning features, which examine the practicality of theorizing and encourage students to broaden their intellectual reach. 'Theory to Practice' boxes and case studies highlight organizing processes in a range of settings, either through real-life, business examples or through exercises that encourage students to apply the theory to organizations they know or organizing experiences of their own. 'Think like a Theorist' and 'Exercise Those Perspectives' boxes then encourage students to actively theorize and evaluate, developing essential critical thinking skills and a greater understanding of the complex knowledge with which organization theorists grapple. By taking theory off the page, students can learn through doing and adopt a reflexive stance to the world around them.

Mary Jo Hatch draws on her extensive experience in the field to produce a trusted and accessible introduction to the subject that provides academic depth, engaging pedagogy, and a practical focus.

This book is accompanied by a collection of online resources:

For students:
Multiple-choice questions

For lecturers:
PowerPoint slides
Figures and tables from the book
Lecturers' guide
Additional case studies

Organization Theory

Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives

Fourth Edition

Mary Jo Hatch

Part One: What is Organization Theory?
1:Organization theory and its multiple perspectives
2:A brief history of organization theory
Part Two: Core Concepts and Theories
3:Organization-environment relations
4:Organizational social structure
5:Organizational technology
6:Organizational culture
7:The physical structure of built space in organizations
Part Three: Themes and Applications
8:Power in and around organizations: Organizational politics, conflict, and control
9:Organizational identity at Carlsberg Group

Organization Theory

Modern, Symbolic, and Postmodern Perspectives

Fourth Edition

Mary Jo Hatch

Author Information

Mary Jo Hatch, C. Coleman McGehee Eminent Scholars Research Professor Emerita of Banking and Commerce, University of Virginia; Adjunct and Visiting Professor, Copenhagen Business School; Visiting Professor, Gothenburg University School of Business, Economics and Law (Business and Design Lab); International Research Fellow, Said Business School, University of Oxford

Mary Jo Hatch (PhD Stanford, 1985) is the C. Coleman McGehee Eminent Scholars Research Professor of Banking and Commerce, Emerita, at the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Copenhagen Business School, Visiting Professor at Gothenburg University, and an International Research Fellow of the Centre for Corporate Reputation, University of Oxford. Her research has been published in the Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, Academy of Management Review, European Journal of Marketing, Human Relations, Journal of Management Inquiry, Strategic Organization, Administrative Science Quartely, and Organization. She received the 2011 Distinguished Educator Award from the Academy of Management's Organization and Management Theory (OMT) Division.