The purpose of this study was to observe and describe the functions, processes, and relationships of shared decision-making in the Instruction and Research (I & R) units of multiunit Individually Guided Education (IGE) elementary schools. Data for the study were gathered through interviews and observations of 16 I & R units at 8 IGE schools of diverse location, socioeconomic level, and ethnic composition. Data were analyzed by I & R units and across I & R units according to the responses of the staff and based on field notes and observations. Among the study's major findings were the following: 1) the membership, modes of operation, and functions of I & R units varied from the prototypical multiunit organizational model; 2) unit members felt they derived much benefit from membership in the unit and shared a sense of togetherness; 3) I & R units were dynamic groups--high in complexity, low in centralization, low in formalization, and low in stratification; 4) the shared decision-making process in units was interactive, with consensus by silence being the predominant method; and 5) unit members were satisfied with the decision process and decision at the unit level, but less satisfied with decisions at the schoolwide level. (Author/JG)