Assessing an organization's effectiveness involves not only determining how successfully the organization achieves its stated objectives, but also ascertaining how thoroughly the needs of the individuals involved are met and how readily the organization can change to address the needs of both the organization and the individuals who compose it.…

An annual publication, "To Improve the Academy" offers a resource for improvement in higher education to faculty, instructional development staff, and administrators. The chapters of part 1, "Past, Present, and Future of SoTL," contains: (1) "The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Past Lessons, Current Challenges, and Future Visions" (Kathleen…

This book is the first of three volumes on conflict resolution for school administrators. The introduction provides a context for the discussion by outlining seven human systems levels at which conflict can occur and suggesting that the approach to dealing effectively with conflict varies with the level of the system involved. Chapter 1 explores…

Principals' goals of a highly motivated faculty and and effective school are not mutually exclusive. Evidence from an organizational study indicates that adherence to agreed-upon values accompanied by encouragement of individual autonomy promotes high morale among employees. (14 references) (CJH)

This document provides information for managers in the U. S. Agency for International Development on measuring institutional capacity, including some tools that measure the capacity of an entire organization as well as others that look at individual components or functions of an organization. The paper defines and discusses capacity assessment in…

This paper offers suggestions for ways in which private higher education institutions can work together toward common goals. The first part, "Common Framework," outlines a shared reform agenda. It identifies common commitments of independent institutions and stresses three shared goals: enhanced learning; a meaningful worklife for faculty,…

A survey of 120 executives at eight United States organizations attempted to find out what executives thought about the meetings they attended, and to find out what an organization could do to make meetings more productive. Provides five tips for making meetings matter. (MLF)

The case of a fictitious small, private college illustrates how such colleges may require planning strategies differing from those used by other institutions. Such "enlightened brinkmanship" requires exceptional intuitive and market-oriented skills among campus leaders and faculty and a well-run organization. (MSE)

To develop codes of ethics for their profession, college human resources personnel must first understand their primary job-related responsibilities. These include being alert to evolving organizational needs; coordinating needed training of employees; appreciating the nuances of psychology, communication, and motivation; and observing employee…

This article suggests principles that are fundamental to efficient organizational change and attainment of a shared vision of the institution. The principles were developed during analysis of organizational culture at a public state university. Twelve principles addressing imperatives for change and eight principles underlying the attainment of…

Discussion of workplace conflict management examines erroneous assumptions inherent in traditional reaction patterns, considers key elements of planning for conflict prevention, and some workplace strategies to help minimize conflicts. Several approaches to conflict management, and their outcomes, are highlighted, and stages of the…

Developments in technology, in organizational structure, and in higher education are placing increasing demands on library managers. The library director, once primarily concerned with finances, and the management of collection, staff, and facilities, must increasingly be concerned with the articulation of values. The formulation and promulgation…

The purpose of this paper is to propose the "management team"--in which the entire administrative staff influences policy making--as the means for administering Ohio's public schools. Included in the paper are a statement of the problem, underlying propositions, some general principles, recommendations for action, necessary commitments,…

Risks to institutional data processing operations include physical damage, violations of data integrity, and restrictions of physical access. Development of a responsive and effective disaster recovery program is complex, requires significant effort and the use of specialized personnel, and spans all major disciplines and organizational levels.…

Analyzes 31 studies of size-performance relationships in organizational structures. Results show that organizational size and productivity are positively related to each other in contrast to review findings to date. Includes extensive references. (MD)