The purpose of this paper is to offer an analytic perspective to policy makers and educational practitioners regarding how to use longitudinal achievement data to evaluate schools. The authors further discuss the potential practical applications of their models for superintendents, researchers, and policy makers. The premise of the study is that…

This paper examines the selection, interaction, and systems approaches to fit in structural contingency theory. The concepts of fit evaluated may be applied not only to structural contingency theory but to contingency theories in general. (MD)

Research was conducted to evaluate how organizationsl systems that are publicly accused of wrongdoing attempt to justify themselves. The pattern of events surrounding smoking and health was examined over a 30-year period. Includes four figures, two tables, and references. (MD)

Correlations between centralization and effectiveness were obtained from 26 independent samples in the organization science literature. Hypotheses were developed and statistically tested. The hypotheses that were supported are reflected in a final theory of the centralization-effectiveness relationship. (75 references) (MLF)

A stratified random sample of 96 employees in a large firm saved a hard copy of all incoming and outgoing electronic mail for a 3-day period. Proposes a framework for understanding how electronic communication could affect group behavior in organizations. (70 references) (MLF)

A comparative case study analysis of organizational genesis shows three findings: (1) the greater the density of similar organizations, the greater the capacity to generate resources; (2) the greater the density of similar organizations, the greater the legitimacy of resource claims; and (3) the greater the density of similar organizations, the…

Recurring claims of the poor relationship of computer adoption and organizational productivity may be of interest to communication scientists who study computer mediated communication (CMC). Cognitive science researchers advocate the same solution to this problem as many communication scientists, i.e., formative research. Iterating design and user…

Discusses how performance technologists, or trainers, can provide more impact in reducing field performance deficiencies by gathering feedback from the field regarding training matters. A feedback generator is described that is expressed in terms of an algorithm and helps point to solutions to improve productivity. (LRW)

After examining some elementary notions of action theory and cybernetics, this article analyzes the dynamics, clustering, and survival chances of vicious circles. It argues that the action perspective implies that many structural suboptimalities of organizations are caused by vicious circles. Eleven figures and 105 references are provided. (DCS)

Argues that choice and determinism are independent variables that can be positioned in two separate continua to develop a typology of organizational adaptation. The typology suggests the complexity and interdependence of important variables and decision processes as a function of both choice and determinism. Appended are 44 references. (MLF)

Describes assumptions, rationale, and trade-offs involved in designing the research methodology used in a longitudinal study of organizational change. Data were obtained from over 100 organizations through 4 interviews spaced 6 months apart with top managers. (53 references) (MLF)

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…

The need for further research was indicated by the results of a limited exploration of the concept that principal's communications with teachers mediate between the principal's leadership styles and the effectiveness of the organizations they head. Twenty-seven Kansas elementary principals of schools with student populations between 215 and 315…

Because of the increased recognition of the multi-dimensionality of problems facing older adults and the need for greater focus on individual problems, increased efforts are being made to assess the needs of individuals. One promising area in this effort is functional assessment, which moves away from the use of chronological age, which classifies…

Examines the theory of William Gamson's "Strategy of Social Protest." Reviews criticism of the work and Gamson's response. Reports the results of a study variously analyzing data according to concerns of Gamson's critics. Suggests that displacement and group factionalism are the major predictors of protest group success. (DK)