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 within their own environment. '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 produced by organization theorists. By taking theory off the page, students can learn through doing and adopt a reflective 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.

New to this Edition:

• Thoroughly updated 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 through the author's extensive research at the Carlsberg Group demonstrates how core concepts are practically applied in reality by an organization theorist and how the 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.
• More diagrams, images, and colour make this edition more accessible and engaging than ever before.

This title is available as an eBook. Visit VitalSource for more information or to purchase.

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

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

This book comes with access to resources for students, with:

• Multiple-choice questions

The following resources will be available for lecturers who prescribe Organization Theory for their course:

• PowerPoint slides
• Figures and tables from the book
• Lecturers' guide
• Additional case studies

'The most useful introductory text on organization theory there is.' (Ian Storer, Sheffield Hallam University )

'A text that will genuinely help a student be an organization theorist.' (Gemma Donnelly-Cox, Trinity College Dublin )

'The comprehensiveness of the approach is beyond question.' (Dr Sandra Pereira, University of Warwick )

'This is an excellent textbook.' (Dr Marco Berti, University of Technology, Sydney )

'Very good, very accessible, very relevant.' (Dr Beryl Bellman, California State University Los Angeles )