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Formal organizations in contemporary society: The relevance of historical perspectives

Rocky J. Dwyer (Centre of Innovative Management, Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada)

Management Decision

ISSN: 0025-1747

Article publication date: 1 October 2005

7571

Abstract

Purpose

The paper examines the importance and pervasiveness of formal organizations in contemporary society.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the historical, classic, and modern theorists' perspectives was undertaken to determine the relevancy of the theories in dealing with the changing social, technological and cultural values of today's organization and society.

Findings

Understanding the importance and pervasiveness of formal organizations in contemporary society would enable individuals to influence better factors associated with changing values.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that an intrinsic understanding of the various dimensions, which help, create and shape an organization, can be influenced at both the micro and macro levels.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview of the literature which both enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels so as to enable individuals to gain insight on the inherent factors that may be influenced to advance organizational goals and objectives.

Keywords

Citation

Dwyer, R.J. (2005), "Formal organizations in contemporary society: The relevance of historical perspectives", Management Decision, Vol. 43 No. 9, pp. 1232-1248. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740510626290

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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