2nd Edition
Organization Theory and Governance for the 21st Century A Practical Public Service Approach
Part I: An Introduction and Orientation to Organization Theory
1. An Introduction and Orientation to Organization Theory
2. From the Science of Administration to Administration as Social Science
Part II: Theories of Organization
3. Classical Foundations: The Historical Context of a New Field of Study
4. The Behavioral Revolution
5. Life after Berger and Luckmann: A Theoretically Diverse World
6. Life after Keynes and Hayek: Economic Theories of Organization
Part III: Issues, Strategies and Tactics
7. Managing Individual Behavior
8. Understanding and Shaping Group Dynamics
9. Affecting Organization Change
10. Managing Organization-Environment Relations
Part IV: Toward Post-Positivist Organizations
11. Entering the Fray and Escaping the Void: Locating and Making Sense of Post-positivist Ideas
12. Learning to Fly: Applying Post-Positivist Theory
13. Conclusion: This is the Beginning
Biography
Eric K. Austin is Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the Master of Public Administration program at Montana State University, USA.
Sandra Rideout is Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Utah, USA.
Ju Won Park is Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Utah, USA.
"Organization theory matters most when students can connect it to the organizations they’ll actually work in. This second edition continues to deliver that connection through illustrative cases, while broadening the canon to include voices the field has historically sidelined. A great read for the next generation of public administrators."
Colt Jensen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill“This updated edition is timely, lively, and encouragingly easy to navigate for students and academics alike. I enjoy how the authors made theory accessible, as sometimes hearing the word theory can be a scary endeavor. The historical perspective is a nice foregrounding to the contemporary theories and developments we are seeing in society today. The authors do not shy away from complex topics but make them engaging and fun through practical application of high theory. This book is a must read and must own for anyone interested in the complexities and realities of public organizations.”
Staci M. Zavattaro, University of Central Florida“This second edition offers a thoughtful and timely update that connects foundational organization theories with contemporary governance challenges. By integrating classic perspectives with recent developments such as digital government, AI, and post-pandemic organizational changes, the book highlights both conceptual depth and practical relevance. Updated cases, expanded theoretical coverage, and new exercises make this an excellent resource for MPA and PhD students, as well as practitioners seeking to apply organization theory in today’s evolving public and nonprofit environments.”
Eunju Rho, Northern Illinois University“In a moment when trust in institutions is fragile and the work of public service is more complex than ever, this book provides exactly what our students and colleagues need: a clear, critical, and hopeful framework for understanding organizations as engines of democratic practice.”
Christina S. Barsky, University of Vermont"Organizations are the primary vehicle for accomplishing society's most important tasks. This outstanding work illuminates theories both old and new, along with real world cases, that make it essential reading for students and practitioners who seek to make a positive difference by working together."
Scott Christensen, Executive Director, Greater Yellowstone Coalition“Organization Theory and Governance is the practical guide for leaders who need to make sound decisions in complex, ever-changing environments, built on proven frameworks that hold up under pressure.”
Colin Moravec, Solutions Engineer, Water Compliance SaaS“Success in public service hinges on whether a practitioner has appropriately understood the kaleidoscopic challenges before them. Organization Theory and Governance for the 21st Century, 2nd Edition offers readers both theoretic and tactical ways of knowing as a foundation for their efforts that are infinitely adaptable to the complexities in the public sector. This book will surely guide strong work from students, governing officials, and administrators alike.
Megan Cirullo, MPA, Presidential Management Alumna"A valuable, distinctively comprehensive coverage of organization theories and analytical perspectives, with interesting cases to support discussion of the practical applications of the various theories."
Hal G. Rainey, Alumni Foundation Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Public and International Affairs, The University of Georgia
