Product Description

In organisation theory a schism has developed between the traditional organisational behaviour literature, based in psychology, sociology and political science, and the more analytically rigorous field of organisational economics. The former stresses the importance of managerial leadership and cooperation among employees, while the latter focuses on the engineering of incentive systems that will induce efficiency and profitability, by rewarding worker self-interest. In this innovative book, Gary Miller bridges the gap between these literatures. He demonstrates that it is impossible to design an incentive system based on self-interest that will effectively discipline all subordinates and superiors and obviate or overcome the roles of political conflict, collective action, and leadership in an organisation. Applying game theory to the analysis of the roles of cooperation and political leadership in organisational hierarchies, he concludes that the organisation whose managers can inspire cooperation and the transcendence of short-term interest in its employees enjoys a competitive advantage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #308776 in Books
• Published on: 1993-09-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 276 pages

Review
‘Miller gives a very readable and well organized account of the state of the art in the economics of organization. The book can be highly recommended to those who wish to be given a reliable and well-written access to the subject.’ Manfred Tietzel, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics

‘Interesting reading that is sure to raise new questions.’ International Review of Anthropology and Linguistics

Customer Reviews

Sensible economics?
For the first time in my life I read a book by an economist and liked it! There are no islands that produce only guns and butter in here and the individual is not a point in a graph. Miller looks at the biggest dilemma facing organizational theorists: What is the best form of organizational management? With simple explanations, interesting real life examples, and no complicated math, Miller illustrates how a market environment withing an organization can spell disaster and how a hierarchy is no better solution. The self-serving actions of both managers and employees can leave the firm in a downward spiral. Finally, he proposes and demonstrates how an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and commitment can lead to happy employees, satisfied managers, and richer shareholders and actually makes it sound credible and feasible! Whether it's for the economics novice or the disciplined researcher, this book is truly an inspiring achievement.