The Organization of Hypocrisy - Talk, Decisions and Actions in Organizations

Hypocrisy – the practice of incorporating different organizational structures, processes and ideologies for internal and external use – is an important feature of viable organizations in modern societies. It is a natural and effective way of achieving organizational legitimacy in a world where organizations are exposed to an increasing number of inconsistent and conflicting norms and demands. Legitimacy, the book suggests, is secured by conflict rather than by unity and by dealing with problems rather than by providing solutions.

Nils Brunsson is Professor of Management at the Stockholm School of Economics and Chairman of the Stockholm Center for Organizational Research (Score).