The book investigates the extent to which organizations are truly autonomous or subject to external forces. It examines how power, resources, and environmental pressures shape organizational decisions and structures, challenging the notion of internal control as the sole determinant of corporate behavior. The work draws on organizational theory and empirical studies to present a comprehensive analysis of the external factors influencing organizational outcomes.

This book is recognized as a significant contribution to the understanding of organizational control, particularly its external dimensions. Scholars in management and organizational studies often cite its rigorous analysis of power and resource dependence. The work is considered essential reading for those interested in the strategic management of organizations and the interplay between internal autonomy and external constraints.