WITH A NEW FOREWORD BY ANDREW
M. PETTIGREW AND A NEW INTRODUCTION BY CHARLES HANDY
'Charles Handy writes in a
way that makes important subjects accessible and real... a study of management and
organizations now regarded by many as one of the most successful of its generation' Andrew
M. Pettigrew
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. Jn 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.