Understanding Organizations

Organizations are a part of everyday life, whether in schools, hospitals, police stations or commercial companies. In this classic text, Charles Handy argues that the key to successful organizations lies in a better understanding of the needs and motivations of the people within them.

Understanding Organizations offers an extended 'dictionary' of the key concepts - culture, motivations, leadership, role-playing, co-ordinating and consultation - and then shows how this 'language' can help us find new solutions to familiar problems. All organizations need to select, develop and reward their people; to structure and design their work; to resolve political conflicts; to lay down guidelines for their managers; and to plan for the future. In each case, the approaches and techniques described here (and the perspectives opened up by the detailed 'Guide to Further Study') will prove invaluable.

Few management writers have been as consistently challenging and influential as Charles Handy. Firmly established as one of the core business texts, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in organizations and how to make them work better.

FOURTH EDITION