Complex Organizations A Critical Essay

A classic text in sociology, Complex Organizations provides a succinct overview of the principal schools of thought of organizational theories, placing each into critical, historical, and cultural context. Vividly written, with many specific, student-oriented examples, Complex Organizations offers a critical perspective on organizations, analyzing their impact on individuals, groups, and society as a whole.

Charles Perrow’s cogent examination of organizational theory has bridged the gap between two academic disciplines, sociology and business administration, and has won over readers (including many students) with its enthusiasm for the subject.

Charles Perrow is professor emeritus of sociology at Yale University and visiting professor at Stanford University. His interests include the development of bureaucracy in the 19th century, protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure, the prospects for democratic work organizations, and the origins of American capitalism.

“In a very real sense, this book is in a class by itself. . . . It has achieved the status of a ‘classic.’ . . . There is no other single volume which provides such a thoughtful and incisive critique of organizational theory.”

-Robert Rothman, Professor, Department of Sociology University of Delaware

“As a work that has influenced the field, Complex Organizations is in a sparse, distinguished company. It is widely known and cited and is taken seriously as an articulate critique of much of its field. Its strength lies in its intelligence, its irreverence, and its author’s reputation. There is much here, by way of analysis and critique that simply cannot be found in other texts.”

-Steven Kerr, Associate Dean, School of Business Administration University of Southern California