Summary
Herbert A. Simon's "Administrative Behavior" argues that the core of administrative decision-making lies in the selection of factual premises that are perceived as relevant and important by the decision-maker. This process involves understanding how individuals within an organization make choices under conditions of bounded rationality, where their knowledge and cognitive abilities are limited. The book examines the psychological and organizational factors that influence these choices, moving beyond purely economic models to incorporate the realities of human behavior in administrative settings.
The updated edition includes commentaries reflecting on new aspects of the subject, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Simon's foundational work. Readers will gain insight into how administrative decisions are actually made, focusing on the internal processes of individuals and the organizational environment that shapes them. The book presents a systematic analysis of decision-making in organizations, highlighting the limitations and influences on rational choice.
Key concepts
- Bounded Rationality — An individual's decision-making capacity is limited by their cognitive abilities, information availability, and the time constraints of the situation.
- Factual Premises — The specific beliefs, assumptions, and information that an individual uses to arrive at a decision.
- Administrative Decision-Making — The process by which individuals within organizations select from among various alternative courses of action.
From the book
Description: Nobel Prize-winner Herbert Simon commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of his classic Administrative Behavior by updating the original work with commentaries examining new facets of the topic.
Snippet: Nobel Prize-winner Herbert Simon commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of his classic Administrative Behavior by updating the original work with commentaries examining new facets of the topic.