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The concept of administrative rationality constitutes the core of organization theory, although there are wide differences regarding the definition of this concept and its implications. This paper seeks to trace developments in the concept of rationality, and explores how it is used by the various schools of organization and public administration. Careful examination reveals that most of these differences can be explained in terms of how each school defines rationality, and the factors and methods it emphasizes to be followed by organizations wishing to achieve the desired success. The study reveals that in mainstream administrative thinking, rationality is equated with efficiency (doing more with less). An organization is considered rational if it is able to choose the most efficient means to reach a given end. However, the reliance on the criterion of efficiency in evaluating organizations has received growing criticism, especially in the field of public administration.