Henry then analyzes organizational theory. He covers the intellectual evolution of organizational theory and organizational behavior, discusses why bureaucrats behave the way they do, and provides some insight on what the student should expect if choosing to work within the public sector. Three different models of organizational theory are contrasted: the Closed Model (p. 53), the Open Model (p. 57), and the Uncertainty Reduction Model which attempts to synthesize the first two (p. 79). The Closed Model, which has had the greatest impact on public administration, emphasizes task specialization and the means of achieving tasks. The Open Model is somewhat more flexible in that it emphasizes the bureaucratic organization as a unit that is shaped by its environment. henry's preferred model is a synthesis of the two. Public organizations should indeed be shaped by the changing environment, but at the same time they should keep to the perspective that their primary purpose is task oriented.
The crux of Henry's book is concerned with the "nuts and bolts" of public administration. Public administration is more
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