"The leading text in its field, the fifth edition continues its mission of providing a comprehensive synthesis of theory and research in organizational behavior as it applies to the practice of educational administration. Key features carried over from previous editions include the following: Social systems framework - the social systems model, which is used to synthesize and integrate the theories, research, and practical applications, has been streamlined and simplified in this edition. It now incorporates four critical elements of organizational life (the structural, individual, cultural, and political) as well as four administrative processes (deciding, motivating, communicating, and leading). Chapter structure - each chapter begins with a theoretical analysis of some critical aspect of administration, then examines the empirical research on the subject, and concludes with practical applications. Format - this edition contains dozens of summarizing tables and figures that illustrate key concepts. For the first time it is produced in a two-color format." "This the heaviest revision to date, and involves a total reorganization of the text. Chapters 3-6 are now organized around four basic elements of organizational life. Chapters 9-12 examine the four basic administrative processes identified in the social systems framework. In addition, new theories of information processing, motivation, quality, and leadership have been incorporated. Where appropriate, critical ideas from such emergent perspectives as critical theory, postmodernist theory, and feminist theory have also been included. These new perspectives are compared and contrasted with those frameworks that have stood the test of time."--BOOK JACKET.