This book presents an integrated view of the three main approaches to organization - classical, human relations and systems - showing what each has of value to contribute and how they complement each other. The three approaches are introduced, followed by critical analysis. The main classical problems are reviewed in the light of the systems approach. Finally there is a comparative summary in tabular form, an illustrative systems study and a decision schedule.

This book is a successor to the earlier and widely-used Business Organization. In this book the author helps the student to develop his or her own critical and conceptual understanding of the subject. As the author reviews the various approaches - classical, human relations, behavioural science, systems and contingency theories - he shows that none of them offers a simple progression from error to truth, but that all of them combine to contribute to a broader view of the field. The final chapter summarizes the author's viewpoint, applying the different approaches to a particular case study.