Without feasible integration strategies, the institutional researcher and decision maker remain isolated from each other, to the ultimate disadvantage of the higher education institution. Practical and achievable strategies for the researcher include knowledge of the institutional climate and norms, developing communication skills, and practicing…

Research administrators must understand who they are and what they do. A metaphor for the research administrator's identity and service mission is proposed: "custodian of the corporate conscience and culture." The role of this administrator is viewed as part of the entire process of learning for the development of generalizable knowledge…

For short- and long-term individual and institutional survival, the university and its research administrators must preserve and enhance the institution's climate for the pursuit of faculty scholarship, and faculties must keep research productivity and scholarly activity high.(MSE)

Research administrators can avoid falling into bureaucratic traps by (1) understanding what is important and what is subordinate to it; (2) becoming a better manager; and (3) improving public relations by being more accessible, soliciting complaints, consulting, supporting clients, making the rules work for clients, and educating clients.

The potential roles of department heads, deans, and faculty development directors in guiding and monitoring the effective delivery of faculty incentives are outlined, and key factors in facilitating and inhibiting vitality and signs of increased vitality are listed. (MSE)

The tremendous impact of technological change on human workers, coupled with declining resources in many college and university information technology programs, can create an emotionally and physically harmful environment for employees. They can also present an important opportunity for positively changing cognitive behavior and increasing…

Advancement staff at the private Potomac School (Virginia) has evolved from a part-time volunteer to a six-woman team. The program has achieved high productivity and substantial success. The management style is characterized by teamwork, enthusiasm, mutual support, personal loyalty to the school, and some specialization. Volunteers are welcomed.…

A discussion of team-building in organizations looks at the essential components of trust, common purpose, supportive internal and external environments, and cohesion. Barriers to team development, such as internal competition or communication problems, and the role of the team leader are also discussed. A student campus organization is used for…

Based on experience in two different university-based social research centers (SRCs), the author discusses factors influencing support for university-based SRCs, the difficulty of transferring research findings from the SRC to the outside world, and how the social context influences the role research administrators play in this type of research…

Theories of organizational development and culture used to diagnose problems and institute changes in organizations can be applied to the problem of hazing in black sororities and fraternities. This requires understanding the group culture's underlying values, as illustrated in stories about the organization. Appropriate interventions can then…

The ethical climate of organizations is discussed, and it is argued that the fostering of such a climate must be an intentional act of organizational leaders and members. Issues associated with fostering an ethical climate are outlined, a self-evaluation instrument for organizations and institutions is presented, and strategies for overcoming…

Sally Helgesen's book, "The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership," is reviewed. The book was based on a survey of women concerning leadership and addresses gender differences in management and leadership styles; management as a circular process; group communication; and leader roles. (MSE)

Fourteen principles for successful operation of a small collegiate alumni program are presented. They address such issues as planning, setting priorities, making decisions, routinizing procedures, using technology, creating a climate for cooperation and productivity, getting volunteers, keeping staff longer, and maintaining a balance between…

An organizational development and quality enhancement effort at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio) incorporating characteristics of several popular quality management systems has produced unanticipated benefits in the administrative services and information technologies division: downsizing was less drastic than anticipated; innovative financing…

Ways in which community college student development programs can focus on student learning include using more academically focused language; having a student development plan and remaining on the profession's cutting edge; constant reevaluation of models of student success; finding alternatives to traditional models in delivery of student…