According to Hatch and Cunliffe (2006), there are three main perspectives regarding the study of organization theory (OT): modern, symbolic interpretative, and postmodern. Each of these perspectives comes with its own assumptions and methodologies. Hatch and Cunliffe have provided an introductory text on the concepts and characteristics of the three OT perspectives. Tsoukas and Knudsen have also compiled a comprehensive textbook summarizing all facets of metatheoretical perspectives. In this article, the author will discuss the basic concepts of three perspectives, present Hatch and Cunliffe's reasons why a multiple perspectives approach to organization theory is important, and compare Tsoukas and Knudsen's introduction to the introduction by Hatch and Cunliffe in their books. Cunliffe, the modern perspective prevailed in the 1960s and 1970s. Modernists believe that organizations are objectively real entities operating in a real world. When well designed and managed, they constitute systems of decision and action based on standards of rationality, efficiency and effectiveness to achieve stated objectives. Modernists focus on organization theory by finding universal laws, methods, and techniques of organization and control; promotes rational structures, rules, standardized procedures, and routine practices (Hatch & Cunliffe, 2006, p. 14). Modernists collect data through five senses: hearing, smell, taste, or touch, using sense-enhancing devices such as a microscope or telescope (Hatch & Cunliffe, 2006 , p.15). The symbolic interpretation perspective prevailed in the 1980s. Symbolic interpretivists believe that we cannot know an external or objective existence without our subjective consciousness. They believe that the organization is continuously built... middle of paper...... evaluation of fellow practitioners. Tsoukas and Knudsen (2005) commented on Hatch and Cunliffe's symbolic-interpretive view as creating meaning with storytelling and narration (p. 17). In this essay, the author summarized three perspectives (modern, symbolic interpretive and postmodern) on the study of the OT and highlighted the differences between the recommendations of Hatch and Cunliffe and the critical approach of Tsoukas and Knudsen in the introduction to their book. Works Cited Hatch, MJ and Cunliffe, AL (2006). Organization theory: modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press. Tsoukas, H. and Knudsen, C. (2005). Introduction: The need for meta-theoretical reflection in organization theory. In H. Tsoukas & C. Knudsen (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Organization Theory: Meta-theoretical Perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press Inc...