In turbulent business environments, change is rapid, continuous, and unpredictable. Turbulence undermines those adaptive problem solving methods that generate solutions by extrapolating from what worked (or did not work) in the past. To cope with this challenge, organizations utilize trial-based problem solving (TBPS) approaches in which they…

This paper uses two communication models, Goffman's theatrical model and Harris' psychological model, to illustrate the communication process as it occurs in curriculum projects and to analyze the processes by which people influence each other--decision making and nondecision making. It is suggested that viewing such projects from diverse…

Crises can, under certain conditions, be transformed into instruments of organizational good. Undergoing crisis in an organization--calling attention to problems and labeling them as crises--may be a preferable management strategy to coping with prolonged periods of shrinking resources. (MLW)

It is argued that to deal with conflict effectively in a college or university, it is necessary to be aware of the structural relationships and antecedent conditions that cause it, and to watch for early signs of trouble. Seven levels of conflict are identified and strategies for resolution are suggested. The importance of early intervention is…

Presents model aimed at resolution of discrepancies between group objectives and individual behavior under certain conditions using step-by-step analysis based on game theory. May be applied by administrators or managers to educational, industrial, or bureaucratic situations where these "people problems" are present. (NEC)

One potential factor contributing to increased productivity in higher education is the implementation of instructional innovations. A model of the innovation process was tested. Results suggest that formal organizational mechanisms for facilitating the discovery and implementation of innovations are as important to the process as faculty…

PLANNED CHANGE, CONDITIONED BY THE STATE OF THE SYSTEM IN WHICH IT OCCURS, MUST TAKE THE IMPROVEMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH AS A PRIMARY TARGET. THE HEALTHY SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AND TO DEVELOP INTO A MORE FULLY FUNCTIONING SYSTEM. OF TEN ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH DIMENSIONS APPLICABLE TO SCHOOLS, THREE ARE TASK CENTERED…

One of the most persistent dilemmas faced by practicing educational administrators is choosing an appropriate model for decision making. This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the appropriateness of Cohen, March, and Olsen's (1972) Garbage Can Model of decision making. The case study examined the decision-making behavior of the…

The model for planning groups presented in this paper is an attempt to provide varying levels of organizational leaders with a device to increase planning efficiency and effectiveness. The planning process is highlighted as it might be viewed through the eyes of the individual responsible for completion of the planning task. The major emphasis is…

Ten elementary and secondary school principals worked with the project director and consultants to select and develop instruments, procedures, and experiences that would help principals become more effective in their leadership roles. On the basis of the experiences gained from the five general workshops and the field trials, the project…

This text is of a series of three handbooks, each intended to provide busy educational executives with a brief, practical overview of one major issue or movement. This book aims at providing both the theoretical base of the management by objectives and results (MBO/R) system of management and suggestions for its practical application. The author…

This module discusses the theory and practice of school improvement and outlines a nine-step systematic problem-solving process for developing an action plan addressing school improvement goals. The first section describes a general model for the study of the school as a social system, as developed by Getzels and Thelen (1960). The second section…

Describes a model of Total Quality Management (TQM) developed by the Association of Research Libraries. The issues, elements and processes of a comprehensive TQM-based transition, including commitment by management, linkage to organizational strategic planning, organizational culture, understanding customers, and quality teams are covered.…

Examining the effectiveness of an organizational development plan, this study notes the changes in school climate in two Pennsylvania schools--a junior high and a middle school. Having selected the schools for their troubled educational environments, the authors gathered data for 2 years from interviews with students and staff, from a formal…

A partnership project to develop and demonstrate a model for interagency cooperation between school districts and city governments operated for slightly over a year in Emeryville (California). Successful results of the project included collection of needs assessment data, completion of a social services resource guide, reopening of school…