In this fourth edition of his ground-breaking work, Herbert A. Simon applies his pioneering theory of human choice and administrative decision-making to concrete organizational problems. To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the book's original publication, Professor Simon enhances his timeless observations on the human decision-making process with commentaries examining new facets of organizational behavior. Investigating the impact of changing social values and modem technology on the operation of organizations, the new ideas featured in this revised edition update a book that has become a worldwide classic.
Named by Public Administration Review as "Book of the Half Century,"Administrative Behavior is considered one of the most influential books on social science thinking, and was referred to by the Nobel Committee as "epoch-making."
Written for managers and other professionals who wish to understand the decision-making processes at the heart of organization and management, it is also essential reading for students in business and management, economics, sociology, psychology computer science, government, and law.
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Herbert A. Simon is Chaired Professor in psychology and computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1978, Professor Simon currently works in the field of artificial intelligence.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Fourth Edition | ||
Preface to the First Edition | ||
Acknowledgments | ||
I | Decision-Making and Administrative Organization | 1 |
Commentary on Chapter I | 17 | |
II | Some Problems of Administrative Theory | 29 |
Commentary on Chapter II | 50 | |
III | Fact and Value in Decision-Making | 55 |
Commentary on Chapter III | 68 | |
IV | Rationality in Administrative Behavior | 72 |
Commentary on Chapter IV | 87 | |
V | The Psychology of Administrative Decisions | 92 |
Commentary on Chapter V | 118 | |
VI | The Equilibrium of the Organization | 140 |
Commentary on Chapter VI | 151 | |
VII | The Role of Authority | 177 |
Commentary on Chapter VII | 202 | |
VIII | Communication | 208 |
Commentary on Chapter VIII | 223 | |
IX | The Criterion of Efficiency | 250 |
Commentary on Chapter IX | 272 | |
X | Loyalties and Organizational Identification | 278 |
Commentary on Chapter X | 296 | |
XI | The Anatomy of Organization | 305 |
Commentary on Chapter XI | 329 | |
Appendix | What Is an Administrative Science? | 356 |
Index | 361 |