Organizations frequently pursue legitimacy through a variety of substantive and symbolic practices. However, legitimacy is a social judgment that is ultimately accorded the organization by its constituents. Analysis suggests that attempts to increase legitimacy may trigger a series of vicious circles that ultimately decrease legitimacy. (90…

Analyzes 60 sociology doctoral programs from 1975 through 1980. Measures per capita and gross productivity of each department. Shows that conventional assessment measures contain deficiencies. Documents a tendency for conflict between productivity and graduate education. Includes recommendations for future assessments that would measure not only…