Organizations and Archetypes

ïProfessor Kostera is a consummate writer whose studies stand out for originality of approach. Her contribution to our knowledge of the inner mechanisms and wider effects of organizations is impossible to over-value: indeed without KosteraÍs input, our knowledge of organizations, the successive reincarnations and strategy changes would be so much poorer. The book is pursued with exquisite consistency and sense of purpose. It is presented in all its enormous cognitive potential and exceptional analytical utility. A study of great value to both students and practitioners of organization.Í _ Zygmunt Bauman, University of Leeds, UK This book reflects on organizations through archetypical tales-stories particularly resonant with deep meanings present in culture and the soul. Archetypes are common patterns containing hidden images of human motivations, offering inspiration and awakening imagination. This book is a collection of such tales, connected to twelve organizational archetypes, where each are illustrated by more general theoretical reflections, current management and organization theory literature, as well as practical examples. Monika Kostera proposes an imagery and language for self-management and self-organization for non-corporate use including entrepreneurs and multipurpose NGOs. Stories and examples from and of, contemporary organizations in different contexts will prove insightful to students, academics and researchers of management, business, sociology and economics. Social entrepreneurs and NGO activists will also find plenty of invaluable information is this inspirational study.