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Rational Organization

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  • JAMES S. COLEMAN

    (University of Chicago)

Abstract

The theory of formal organization has been burdened, particularly in sociology, by a conceptual flaw deriving from Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy. Weber's assumption that the functional rationality of an organization is achieved by a structurally rationalized authority system is shown to be incorrect through the use of a number of examples. Principles for the design of a functionally rational organization are specified in the concluding section of the article.

Suggested Citation

  • James S. Coleman, 1990. "Rational Organization," Rationality and Society, , vol. 2(1), pages 94-105, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:2:y:1990:i:1:p:94-105
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463190002001005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fama, Eugene F, 1980. "Agency Problems and the Theory of the Firm," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 88(2), pages 288-307, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giampaolo Garzarelli, 2008. "The division of labor and voluntary production," Economía, Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (IIES). Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales. Universidad de Los Andes. Mérida, Venezuela, vol. 33(25), pages 47-60, january-j.
    2. Marwa Khouya & Abdelhay Benabdelhadi, 2021. "A holistic overview on the antecedents of organizational trust: Aggregated theoretical framework," Post-Print hal-03572988, HAL.
    3. Edgar Kiser & Audrey Sacks, 2011. "African Patrimonialism in Historical Perspective," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 636(1), pages 129-149, July.
    4. Gilles Hilary & Sterling Huang, 2023. "Trust and Contracting: Evidence from Church Sex Scandals," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(2), pages 421-442, January.
    5. Marwa Khouya & Abdelhay Benabdelhadi, 2021. "A holistic overview on the antecedents of organizational trust: Aggregated theoretical framework," Post-Print hal-03573006, HAL.

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