Once again setting the standard for the field, the editors of Organizational Culture (Sage, 1985) have reassembled to create a new exploration in Reframing Organizational Culture. In this engaging volume, the contributors continue the ongoing process of discovery and invention, the interaction between investigator and the subject of inquiry. The editors have included a variety of frames as tools that allow readers to examine any empirical piece on organizational culture on its own merits–as good research–while at the same time, permit viewing it from other perspectives as well. How is organizational culture studied? To further understanding of what goes into studying organizational culture, an early, well-known exemplar of cultural research by William Foote Whyte is presented, along with commentaries by four currently active researchers plus a final rebuttal by Whyte. Enlightening and stimulating, the exploration of epistemology, rather than specific methods in Reframing Organizational Culture, allows for discovery and further research into organizational culture. Combined with a unique emphasis on process, this volume also includes reflections from the editors, pointing out their values, biases, beliefs, perceptions, and experiences in research, and lending a human dimension to the research process. This creative synthesis is essential reading for academics, researchers, and professionals in the areas of organization studies and management.
The editors of Reframing Organizational Culture skillfully concocted a spicy and satisfying entree that goes beyond their first effort (Organizational Culture, Sage, 1985) to evaluate their topic and its contributions, to date and potentially… . The examples are generally colorful and well displayed, ranging from Barley’s look at funeral homes (‘Semiotics and The Study of Occupational and Organizational Culture’) to Van Maanen’s reflections on The Magic Kingdom (‘The Smile Factory: Work at Disneyworld’)… . Part One … presents a thorough bibliography… . Trice’s ‘Comments and Discussion’ provides balance and argues for quantification as a means of ‘keeping the flame alive.’ … Part Three, ‘An Epilogue And a Closing.’ is reflective and inspirational… . Reframing Organizational Culture left me nourished, stimulated, and encouraged. The book’s numerous components flow smoothly and logically, aided by strong transitions and integrative passages. Given the editors’ objective to ‘reframe’ rather than ‘revisit’ organizational culture, I contend they succeeded. The content and extensive bibliography render it an excellent supplement for the academic audience: For those already in the field, the book provides a thorough update and challenge to the cutting edge; for those new to the field, the book offers a balanced and encouraging overview without intimidation… . The merits of Reframing Organizational Culture to the practitioner audience stem from the concise writing and vivid examples, particularly in Part One and most of Part Two.
–Journal of Management