`Michael Handel has assembled an authoritative and wide-ranging collection of key articles in the organizations field, and complements these papers with a terrific critical survey of the literature. His introductory essays will benefit both students and researchers alike. This collection is a real service to the field′ - Walter W Powell, Stanford University This volume of primary readings and overview essays provides a comprehensive introduction to the sociology of organizations. The readings represent a wide range of theoretical perspectives and substantive topics. Most readings are either classics in the field or works that are widely used and cited. In clear prose the section introductions explain key terms and concepts, provide illustrations, and summarize debates and related research in a brief overview essay. The completeness of the section introductions means this book can be used as either a supplementary reader or as a stand-alone text.