The post-modernist and post-bureaucratic turn in Organization Studies has contributed to shape a landscape that same seminal thinkers would probably not recognize: empowerment, autonomy and agency, entrepreneurial systems of management, decentralization, cooperation...In short, the demise of bureaucracy is viewed as the unassailable consequence of contemporary political and business dynamics. And, if power is not a figure of the past, at least its classical forms and dynamics should be entirely rethought. The author puts forward a rejuvenated notion of soft bureaucracy and despotism, which might be representative of current political regimes in business organizations. This title is part of "Advances in Organization Studies", Vol.15. Series editors are: Stewart R. Clegg and Ralph E. Stablein. "Advances in Organization Studies" is a channel for cutting edge theoretical and empirical works of high quality that contributes to the field of organizational studies. The series welcomes thought-provoking ideas, new perspectives and neglected topics from researchers within a wide range of disciplines and geographical locations.