Social science bases of administrative theory, published in 1967. The book is invaluable in understanding the history of modern organization theory hargadon, 2003. Thompson classifies organizations according to their technologies and environments. Social science bases of administrative theory, published by mcgrawhill, ranks as one of the alltime classics regarding organizations. Social science bases of administrative theory 1967. The research regarding complex organizations is scarce at this time. Organizations in action 1967 chapter 2, 5, 6, 10 summary. Presentation about the book introduction organizations in action by james d. James david thompson january 11, 1920 in indianapolis september 1, 1973 was an. While technical rationality assumes a closed system technology is timespace specific, the organizational rationality assumes an open system. A central purpose of this book is to identify a framework which might link at important points several of the now independent approaches to the understanding of complex organizations. Thompson s fundamental book, organizations in action, tao digital library proposes a reflection on this great masters legacy and. Thompson, organizations in action, organization theory, organization studies. Social science bases of administrative theory kindle edition by thompson, james d download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets.
At the time, thompson was professor of business administration and professor of sociology at indiana university. Summary of the book introduction organizations in action by james d. That organizations must meet and handle uncertainty is central to his thesis. Fifty years have passed since the publication of organizations in action. Previous books on the subject focused on the behavior of people in organizational contexts, but this volume considers individual behavior only to the extent that it helps explain the nature of organizations. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. Organizations in action is a classic multidisciplinary study of the behavior of complex organizations as entities. Social science bases of administrative theory classics in organization and management series. Social science bases of administrative theory classics in organization and management series by thompson, james d. Organizations in action is firmly grounded in concepts and theories in the social and behavioral sciences.