Business administration is a scientific field described as complex, diverse, and eclectic. Acknowledging the multiplicity of the field and the many challenges faced by students of business administration, there is a need for a book on theories and perspectives and how they can be applied. This book outlines a broad set of contemporary and frequently used theories and perspectives.

Based on a selection conducted through a survey and discussions with colleagues, sixteen theories and perspectives are presented by the contributing authors. The book covers both a tradition based on the assumption of economic man and the more interpretivist-oriented traditions. It addresses undergraduate and graduate students who want to apply a specific theory or perspective to study phenomena within the field of business administration research.

Theories and perspectives
in this book:

Agency theory
The business network approach
Contingency theory
The resource-based view
Transaction cost economics
The neoclassical perspective
Decision-making in organizations
Institutional theory
Actor–network theory
Symbolic interactionism
Cultural approaches

Critical theories
Discourse and discourse analysis
Practice theory
Gender theories
Service marketing