Major elements of the theory of social behavior formulated by Talcott Parsons are applied to a study of organization. The organizational model developed is based on Parsons' four functional imperatives of goal attainment, adaptation, integration, and pattern maintenance. Organizations are regarded as social systems distinguished by different arrangements of the same structural elements, as determined by the values of the particular organization or system. Special attention is given to the classification of organizations and to external and internal problems of organization. Applications of the model are made to organization in education and to the relationship of organization to educational innovation. (JK)