Includes bibliographical references and index.

Pt. 1. The concepts --
Ch.1 About this book --
Ch. 2. On the motivation to work --
Ch. 3. On roles and interactions --
Ch. 4. On leadership --
Ch. 5. On power and influence --
Ch. 6. On the working of groups --
Ch. 7. On the cultures of organizations --
Pt. 2. The concepts in application --
Ch. 8. On the people of organizations and their development --
Ch. 9. On the work of the organization – and its design --
Ch. 10. On politics and change --
Ch. 11. On being a manager --
Ch. 12. On the future of organizations --
Pt. 3. A guide to further study.

Organizations are a part of everyday life, whether in schools, hospitals, police stations or commercial companies. In this classics 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. 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.