A study of academic decision making shows little faculty effort to influence major committees other than through formal channels. Academics with elected representatives were dominated by an elite of nonelected senior academics, based on process signs of power rather than real authority. (MSE)

One of the problems in the governance of academic institutions is described as the presence of a complex network of committees with a set of powerful individuals. Powerful individuals emerge because of personal qualities and because some decision-making modes must be established for decisions that cannot wait for committees. (Author/MLW)