Describes the sharp swing toward devolution at one South African University, followed by a sharper swing back toward centralization, discussing factors to consider, in terms of the national context of South Africa's higher education and the university's institutional dynamics, to explain these swings. The reasoning behind recommendations for this…

Focuses on decentralization as a governance strategy in education and dynamic interactions in the decentralization process. Reviews relevant research and presents some empirical data from Norway and British Columbia. Distinguishes four dynamic processes in decentralized centralism: initiation, content, levels, and simultaneity. (Contains 45…

Affiliating universities in India have administrative responsibility for their teaching departments, postgraduate (P.G.) centre, and affiliated colleges. Growth in the number of colleges has resulted in desire for decentralization. These authors propose that P.G. centres be given more autonomy and administrative responsibility for some of the…

The Irish education system is a privatized, state-funded patchwork, with five separate types of secondary schools whose governance structures vary according to church, state, or local authority ownership. A 1995 government white paper recommends a more coherent governance structure with state, regional, and school-site decision-making levels.…

Establishment of a Scottish Parliament in 1999 will pose questions about its relationship to local authorities and their role in education. Possible scenarios are discussed in which Parliament pursues centralization or decentralization in education policy. Recent reforms to local government structures may allow local councils to become partners of…

This report outlines the history of the centralization-decentralization dilemma in the goverance of organizations, discusses two types of centralization-decentralization continua, and suggests further research. The first type of continuum discussed -- the traditional American -- refers to decisionmaking in the areas of public debate and partisan…

Identifies technological issues of nationwide networking, including computer processing, data storage and communication, software, data entry, and standards. Emphasized in a forecast of networking trends in the 1980s is the need for coordination of a central managing organization with the autonomous local libraries. (SW)

Changes in internal and external systems of governance as a result of a 1984 law promoting some decentralization and a trend toward increased local and regional responsiveness are discussed. The role and significance of new governance bodies are examined. (MSE)

The recent history of the Israeli educational system, particularly its trend toward decentralization, is used to test some common assumptions about the need for centralization to achieve control in times of fiscal constraint, need for improvement, and non-implementation of central policies. (MSE)

Reprint from "SATURDAY REVIEW, January 11, 1968.

The increasing costs of higher education and doubts about its importance, and the decreasing marketability of a college degree have made those responsible for appropriating public funds and the consumers of higher education services demand greater accountability from public institutions. These demands, as well as internal demands for greater…

The style of management in higher education has changed significantly in recent decades. The groups that have demanded, and in most cases been given, a share in the governance of the institution are the administration, the faculty, the students, and the non-faculty staff. The problem arises in implementing the claims for a share of authority. Some…

This report discusses various differences of opinion about the interrelationship that exists between governmental structure and the substantive policy outcomes of governmental decisionmaking. The views of political scientists and educators regarding the ideal structural relationship between education and government are presented. Some aspects of…

The role of statewide governing and coordinating boards to represent a statewide, public interest point of view within that structure, avoiding partisan politics and partisanship among educational institutions or interest groups is discussed. Three functions of the statewide postsecondary agencies are identified: planning, program and budget…

Addresses persistent tensions among centralized school governance structures. Examines the literature's claims for devolution's positive benefits and shortcomings and proposes more realistic expectations. Discusses the relationship between devolution and improved teaching and learning. Reconceptualizes devolution and proposes a preliminary…