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BOOK REVIEW
McAuley et al’s book offers an in-depth exploration of long-standing questions related to different
approaches in organisation theory. Particularly pertinent for both undergraduate and postgraduate
students who study organisational theory or analysis, this work goes a step beyond the traditional
managerialist perspectives of organisation theory, to situate different perspectives within scholarly
debates on modernism and postmodernism. In this context the book explores approaches to
organisation theory from its origins through the most recent debates to examine the breath and
complexity of this challenging subject. It shows how different traditions are at times intertwined and at
others divided in understanding contemporary organisational dilemmas.
The book begins by outlining the nature of organisation theory in the social sciences. The main
objective here is to explore the diversity of perspectives encountered when studying organisation
theory. This discussion leads the way to the philosophical disputes and debates that underlie the
creation of this diverse range of theories. Here the role of epistemological and ontological assumptions
is carefully discussed to provide an insight into different ways of researching, analysing and
understanding organisations. This is supported by the use of insightful examples to illustrate the
different components of theory, a style which is adopted throughout the book.
The following chapters provide a detailed exploration of the different schools of thought in
organisational theory. These include perspectives from modernist, neo modernist and post-modernist
thinkers. The relationships between these different approaches are carefully examined to illustrate the
ways in which different schools of thought perceive the context of organisational reality. Chapter 2
introduces modernist approaches to organisational theory which suggest the development of systems
and bureaucracies as the best way of ordering and organising. In chapter 3 neo modernist accounts are
explored which highlight the central role of people in organisations. In so doing the role of the human
relations school as a pervasive example of the neo-organisation tradition is explored.
Having paved the way on neo modernist approaches the next chapter neatly introduces new wave
theory and outlines its origins in relation to debates about control. It then discusses different theoretical
explanations of the apparent spread of cultural management in contemporary organisations. Chapters 5
and 6 outline the concept of postmodernism and contrast two different approaches; the first as a period
of time characterised by increased dynamism and diversity in the environment and the second as a
philosophy with implications on how organisations are understood. The following two chapters provide
an advanced introduction to alternative ways in studying and understanding organisations, including
phenomenology, critical theory and psychoanalysis. These perspectives offer a challenging way in
understanding organisations and in particular how individuals and groups construct their organisational
identities and the relationship between the organisation and society. In chapter 9 a historical account of
the origins and evolution of both managers as a significant organisational group and of management as
a separate, hierarchical function in organisations is explored. This sets the scene for the emergence of
what is termed the managerialist thesis and the implications of the different theoretical interpretations
of this organisational development including the diffusion of new managerialism. Finally, the
concluding chapter revisits the perspectives discussed in each chapter and applies each briefly, to a case
study. It then moves on to discussing contemporary challenges in organisational theory including the
debate concerning paradigms and outlines emerging trends and directions for organisational theory.
As a textbook, this book is accessible to a wide range of audiences from a variety of disciplines
including Business Studies, Sociology of Organisations and Educational Studies. The book is clear,
engaging and highly readable. Each chapter is structured around a series of ‘distinctive features’
including among others case studies, summaries, further reading and questions for discussion.
Moreover, the use of practical examples makes it easy for the reader to relate theory to practice. It is
hard to identify weaknesses, both in terms of structure and content. Overall, this book more than
adequately responds to the aims that it sets out to achieve. It provides a well informed coverage of a
range of theories in the field of organisation theory and sociology. A welcome edition to any student
bookshelf or university library.
