Rating: 
Summary: Some insightful studies of organizational structures.
Review: The text for Navy Post Graduate School Organizational Management class in Summer 97. Somewhat dated in areas such as the description of car production lines. The book lays the foundation for defining the types of modern organizational heirarchies, lightly identifing philosophies back through Max Weber and up to the latest fad for what have become disposable employees. Nordstroms, Volvo and other corporate environments are reviewed. Saturn carmaker seems to be the latest organization observed. The book could use a look at how information technology is putting a spin into the workplace and some of its new upstart organizations. Cable networks, chip manufacturers, Postal service/UPS, and the dramatic changes expected in the IRS look ripe for case studies. Nonetheless, I liked the book and found it an inspring read. Looking forward to more of these. Frank Steinbach
Rating: 
Summary: Making Sense of Organizations
Review: This is an outstanding book for people who want to figure out what is really going on in the organizations in which they work. If you cannot make sense of things at work these days, read this book. It is an excellent book on organizational reality. This book should also be required reading for all "managers." If you are trying to "run an organization," do yourself, and the people who work for you, a favor. Read this book! Finally, college and university professors should consider this book for their organizational behavior courses.
Rating:
Summary: A life changer.
Review: This text has enlightened me and has opened my eyes to the four frames: structural, human resource, political and symbolic. I now understand that without being cognizant of all four frames and planning appropriately, no plan of action will succeed. So many times we have made emerging, empowering decisions in the workplace only to see our ideas fail. More often than not we have missed addressing one of the frames. The text clues us in to the reasons for failure and through many very appropriate case studies, shows us how to act effectively in the future. The authors take the ambiguity of effective leadership and sort it out, write it down and meld lasting principles to the reader. A must read for anyone desiring to be effective in an organizational beast.
| 
