Niklas Luhmann Book order

Translated into English for the first time, Luhmann's classic text explores how organizations work; how they should be designed, steered, and controlled; and how they order and structure society. A must-read for scholars and graduate students in organizational theory and sociology.

In this important book, Niklas Luhmann uses his powers as an analyst of the social system to examine two of the most important concepts which hold that system together and allow it to evolve: trust and power.

Any organization, no matter how stolid, may be unsettled by the news that a new boss is about to take over. Talk in the hallways increases, staff worry about their jobs, uncertainty grows. Even when the change has happened, problems emerge when the boss who was hired to manage “from above” has to learn about the organization “from below.” In this book, Niklas Luhmann scrutinizes the relationship and shows how it is stretched to its limit by communication difficulties, demands for self-presentation, and disagreements concerning fundamental values. Many of the tensions crystallize around the question “who has the power?” It isn’t necessarily the boss, provided the employees are well versed in the art of directing their superiors. “Subtervision” is Luhmann’s term for this state of affairs, and tact is the most important means to this end. Yet caution is advised: whoever achieves mastery in subtervision may well become the new boss. This slim and thought-provoking book from one of the most influential sociologists of the twentieth century will be of great interest to anyone seeking to understand the dynamics and machinations of the workplace.

Niklas Luhmann is recognised as a major social theorist, and his treatise on the sociology of law is a classic text. For Luhmann, law provides the framework of the state, lawyers are the main human resourced for the state, and legal theory provides the most suitable base from which to theorize on the nature of society. He explores the concept of law in the light of a general theory of social systems, showing the important part law plays in resolving fundamental problems a society may face. He then goes on to discuss in detail how modern 'positive' - as opposed to 'natural' - law comes to fulfil this function. The work as a whole is not only a contribution to legal sociology, but a major work in social theory. With a revised translation, and a new introduction by Martin Albrow.

This posthumous and crucial contribution by one of the latter twentieth- century's most important sociologists, overturns a half-century of assumptions about the sociology of religion.

Niklas Luhmann ranks as one of the most important sociologists and social theorists of the twentieth century. Through his many books he developed a highly original form of systems theory that has been hugely influential in a wide variety of disciplines.

In this influential text, Niklas Luhmann redefines love as a social solution rather than a purely personal experience. He explores how love functions as a "media of communication" amidst societal complexities, addressing its evolving role in modern relationships. This work offers a unique sociological perspective on love, valuable for scholars in various fields.

Focusing on the evolving field of risk research, this book explores its significance across various domains. It delves into methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications, highlighting how understanding risk can influence decision-making processes. By examining case studies and contemporary challenges, the work emphasizes the importance of effective risk management in today's complex world. This comprehensive approach aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike.