This volume investigates the mechanisms of organizational adaptation and the structural modifications required for entities to effectively navigate shifting external environments. Paul C. Nystrom and William H. Starbuck, both established scholars in organizational behavior, synthesize extensive empirical research to provide a framework for understanding how internal systems respond to environmental pressures. The text argues that organizational design is not a static state but a continuous process of adjustment, requiring deliberate management of control systems and interpersonal dynamics to maintain operational viability.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for students and practitioners of organizational theory. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous, research-based approach to complex management challenges.