Sociology of Organizations
Structures and Relationships
- Mary Godwyn - Babson College, USA
- Jody Hoffer Gittell - Brandeis University, USA
Sociology of Organizations
The sociological study of organizations encompasses both planned and formal organizations as well as spontaneous and informal ones. Sociologists examine organizations with attention to structure and objectives, interactions among members and among organizations, the relationship between the organization and its environment and the social significance or social meaning of the organization. The ways of defining and examining organizations vary depending on the theoretical emphasis.
This book focuses on three things:
• providing a wide and historically accurate portrait of the diversity of sociological theories and their application to organizational studies
• updating selections that reflect a variety of ways that new technology affects methods of organizing and types of organizations
• including readings that examine a range of both formal and informal structures, and both deliberate and impromptu interactions.
Lively and provocative, this textbook is theoretically rigorous, disciplinarily informed and representative of heterogeneity within organizational studies.
"Sociology of Organizations: Structures and Relationships is a timely and unique book. It is timely given the growing interest in sociology in the field of management and organization studies -- sparked not only by the continued success of sociologically inspired schools of thought (e.g., contingency theory and new institutionalism) but also by the rapid growth of critical management studies. The book is unique in the way it builds its theoretical/historical account through a relational rather than a formal bureaucratic approach. To me this is, quite simply, cutting edge. The centering of Mary Parker Follett in the account is inspired. Overall the book challenges current wisdom about the history of management thought and its bureaucratic roots – and this is a good thing!"
"Sociology of Organizations is a far-reaching collection of classics and contemporary studies, insightfully organized around competing frameworks that spring to life in the capable hands of Professors Godwyn and Gittell. More comprehensive than the usual textbook, it not only builds on the past but also sheds light on some of the most pressing problems facing organizations today: new media, diversity and inclusion, and workforce engagement. This valuable book should reach a wide audience."
"What a great collection! By adding Follett to the classics and including contemporary organizational issues like diversity and new technology, Godwyn and Gittell provide for students and professionals a nuanced and compelling insight into organizational life. In addition, their general and section introductions wonderfully interweave a substantive and theoretical web across all these topics. Sociology of Organizations is an important book that transcends simplistic understandings of bureaucracy and individualistic rational theories of action. Its emphasis on a relational perspective highlights the role of people and their interactions in understanding organizations. Altogether a significant new look at key issues in modern society."
“Sociology of Organizations: Structures and Relationships masterfully weaves together classic and current texts to bring to life the most pressing modern day issues that organizations face, from managing diversity within organizations to how the latest technologies, such as social media, are reshaping the boundaries of organizations. This extremely well thought out and unique book includes penetrating and immensely readable syntheses throughout, clarifying distinct theoretical lenses and creating a rich understanding of organizations. By bringing to the fore the relational organizational form, which traces back to Mary Parker Follett, this book provides a compelling counterpoint to purely bureaucratic analyses and thereby provides a way to understand the direction of the most innovative and cutting edge contemporary organizations. This highly engaging and original book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding modern organizations.”
"The Sociology of Organizations by Mary Godwyn and Jody Gittell is an absolute must read for social work educators and their students because their highly integrated and stimulating text is built on the writings and teachings of one of social work's most significant and original thinkers: Mary Parker Follett."
This text contains excellent readings and is very well organized. Better text for upper level undergrads, and not freshmen or sophomores.
I think this book is better for graduate students, but still I use some parts of it as additional readings.
Good book to introduce and develop the theme.
Book serves as a basis, in conjunction with some specific texts.
It would be essential if the book was translated into Portuguese language.
Good for Erasmus students.
very good
Liked the content of the book but it did not fit my current goals for the upcoming class in the fall.
Great collection of relevant classic and current readings!