The Logic of Collective Action
Public Goods and the Theory of Groups, With a New Preface and Appendix
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Harvard University Press
Published:31st Jan '71
Should be back in stock very soon
Mancur Olson's The Logic of Collective Action explores the complexities of group dynamics and the challenges of collective efforts in organizations.
In The Logic of Collective Action, Mancur Olson presents a groundbreaking theory of group and organizational behavior that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. He supports his theory with a wealth of empirical and historical studies, focusing on how individuals with shared interests often find it beneficial to contribute to collective efforts. Olson examines the dynamics within organizations, exploring the challenges faced by individuals when it comes to bearing the costs associated with group endeavors.
One of the central arguments in The Logic of Collective Action is that many organizations produce what economists refer to as 'public goods.' These goods and services are accessible to all members, regardless of their contribution to the costs of provision. Olson highlights that while public goods like defense and law enforcement are commonly understood, private organizations also generate similar benefits. This insight leads to the understanding that larger organizations may require special mechanisms, sometimes coercive, to ensure that resources are gathered effectively.
The book further distinguishes between small and large organizations, revealing that small groups can mobilize more easily but often underinvest in their collective interests. Olson's theory sheds light on the dynamics of exploitation within these groups, where lesser members may disproportionately shift the burden onto those who contribute more. The initial chapter lays out the theoretical framework, while subsequent chapters provide a rich array of evidence from various organizational contexts, including labor unions and corporations.
The existence of a large group with a common interest does not automatically give rise to collective action. There must be an individual incentive to join in or there must be compulsion. This proposition, together with the notion that small groups are qualitatively different from large ones, forms the core of this extremely stimulating book… The range of phenomena it helps to explain and the number of existing ideas it overthrows are very considerable. Having set out his theory of groups and organizations…the author demonstrates its explanatory power by examining the growth of trade unionism, the concept of economic freedom, Marx’s class theory, orthodox theories of pressure groups, special interest groups and, lastly, the unorganized groups. Economic analysis is blended with political theory and sociology with great success. The result is an important contribution to social science. * The Economist *
Olson’s book is a significant and valuable contribution to the economist’s attempt to come to grips with organizational problems. -- Neil W. Chamberlain * American Economic Review *
This superb little volume is worthy of the attention of all social scientists. It can lead to a healthy and challenging discussion and perhaps to a reappraisal of pressure groups in American society. * Public Opinion Quarterly *
There is now a considerable body of literature which attempts to apply economic analysis to political problems. In my opinion, Olson’s is one of the most successful and provocative of these attempts. Olson’s central insight is novel and illuminating to political scientists and he shows that by the use of it he can give familiar facts (about labor unions, farm organizations, and other interest groups) new meaning. I believe that his work is going to force the jettisoning of much of what has been said about interest groups and the revision of the rest. It should also have an influence on the many political scientists who work in the field of organization. -- Edward C. Banfield, Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Urban Government, Harvard University
ISBN: 9780674537514
Dimensions: 210mm x 140mm x 14mm
Weight: 204g
198 pages