This editorial recommends that social science researchers of organizations develop a database from a sample of organizations in the United States. Quality of data has been lacking because of small samples and uncomparable studies. Generalizations about how organizations function can be made if a large database is developed. (CJH)

British Columbia remained committed to its decision to host a world's fair (Expo 86) despite rapidly increasing deficit projections. Expo is examined as a prototypical example of the escalation of commitment. Theory is proposed that integrates determinants of escalation from several levels of analysis over time. (CJH)

An index is presented for estimating structural influences of interdependent subgroups, or parties, that accounts for the parties' indirect dependencies and assigns them weight appropriate to their network position. Indices of overall importance and subgroup importance are illustrated by the influence of 24 journals within five areas of…

In a population of voluntary social service organizations, research findings show that external legitimacy, more than internal coordination processes, underlies the liability of newness--the higher propensity of younger organizations to die. Lack of institutional support experienced by young organizations is an important reason underlying…

Data describing jobs in 100 establishments are analyzed to test hypotheses about the characteristics of jobs and organizations associated with the structure of internal promotion ladders. Hypotheses are supported that link job ladders to, for example, organizational structure, gender distinctions, and technology. The formation of promotion ladders…

This study of the school board agenda-setting role among 30 Minnesota superintendents interprets their perceptions in relation to environmental contexts, group demands, issues control, and district enrollment size. A microperspective of David Easton's political systems model provided the guiding conceptual framework. Respondents were interviewed…