Anthropology of organizations

Changing 'organizational culture' is a major preoccupation in both the public and the private sectors. Anthropology of Organizations critically examines 'the culture concept' from an anthropological perspective. For the first time, this volume brings together anthropological studies of the complex ways people make and contest meanings in organizational settings. Covering topics across the First and Third Worlds, these studies raise theoretical issues about organizational culture, gender and power, whilst also being concerned with policy and practice. The contributors to this book argue that in the 1990s our aim should be to build institutions which empower those hitherto excluded from decision making. Three aspects are identified. First, the concept of 'indigenous management' questions the appropriateness of bureaucratic models and universal management systems - seeking instead ways of connecting with indigenous styles of organizing. Second, case studies from government, private companies and a union explain the embededdness of gender relations, and show how - despite widespread change - inequalities persist. Finally the contributors analyse attempts to reform clients' relations wi