* Normal Accidents: Living with High-Risk Technologies (1984): This influential book analyzes the causes of accidents in complex technological systems, arguing that some accidents are inevitable due to the inherent complexity of these systems. It has had a major impact on fields such as engineering, risk management, and public policy.
While "Normal Accidents" is his most famous work, Perrow has also authored several other books, including:
* Complex Organizations: A Critical Essay (1972): This book explores the challenges of managing complex organizations, focusing on issues such as bureaucracy, power, and decision-making.
* The Next Catastrophe: Reducing Our Vulnerabilities to Natural Disasters (1999): This book examines the growing risks of natural disasters in an increasingly interconnected world, arguing for a more proactive approach to disaster preparedness.
* The Organizational Context of Human Service Work: A Critical Analysis (1976): This book explores the challenges faced by human service workers, including issues of bureaucracy, power dynamics, and client-worker relationships.
In addition to these books, Perrow has also published numerous articles and essays in academic journals. His work has been widely cited and has significantly shaped the field of organizational sociology.