This document explores the relationship between ambiguity and the ambiguous concept of culture which is of fundamental interest to organizational culture researchers. After an overview of the topic, a matrix framework for understanding different approaches to studying cultures is presented. The matrix framework is used to contrast two paradigms…

Suggests that an organizational perspective on the school psychologist's role can provide a basis for integrating disparate activities, reduce ambiguity produced by lack of role consensus, and facilitate more effective role behavior. Implications for practice, training, and research in school psychology are discussed. (JAC)

Examines the historical roots of career planning and placement centers. Takes an in-depth look at a major identity issue, career services' organizational structure, and method of integration. (CH)

Sutton's Process Model of Organizational Death has three phases: organization threatened, organization as temporary entity, and organization defunct. It is exemplified in the closure of DePauw University's School of Nursing, the insights from which may be adapted by others experiencing program closure. (SK)

This book is based on the assumption that we need to have a much better understanding of the process of educational change itself before we can expect reasonable returns from our innovative programs. It is a cross-cultural analysis of the process and dynamics of social change in general, and educational change in particular. The book is divided…

Describes three organizational models for staffing--rational, political, and standards--typically seen in mental health programs. Examines who is hired and why in terms of the characteristics of each model. Provides a summary of decision guidelines for staffing and suggestions for formulating a staffing strategy. (Author/ABB)

Argues that the internal agency model of a marketing communications department forces the department to compete with outside sources for work, while department members sharpen their skills and improve their knowledge of their company's business. Describes the process for creating such an internal agency, including initiating, implementing, and…

Explores the five general patterns of entropy in organizations and shows how they can be conceptually mapped onto a single model. Elaborates on the model to indicate the broad utility of this concept for persons responsible for organizational control. (Author)

T-groups methodology plays an important role as an experiential learning approach both within and outside of organizational settings. An understanding of differences and similarities between T-group training and team development is critical for communication and for intelligent decisions concerning their utility in organizational development…

Explores concerns over the direction the field of organizational behavior is developing. Karl Weick identifies approaches to theory building that are misleading. Peter Frost identifies blind spots in teaching and application. Walter Nord compares both papers. The authors offer their views on directions in which the field might move. (Author/BEF)

Argues that the Southern sit-in movement of 1960, though appearing to have developed in the spontaneous manner described by classic behavior theory, actually grew out of preexisting institutions and organizational forms. Discusses the role of Black churches, colleges, protest organizations, and leaders in the movement. (Author/GC)

Argues that current models of group leadership fail to illuminate the relationship between leadership and group performance. Presents an alternative model of leadership based on communication competencies, which are influenced by task complexity, group climate, and role relationships. A series of heuristic propositions are offered linking…

Realizing that communications theory and research have little to do with organizational life, a communications scholar decided to become an organizational participant while still analyzing events and episodes in a scholarly way. In the spring of 1986, he joined the board of directors of Interface Precision Benchworks (IPB), a not-for-profit…

Suggests that though counseling process and skills can be adapted to organization development (OD) and some counselors may act as change agents, counseling skills in and of themselves are not sufficient in undertaking comprehensive OD interventions. Proposes theory and practice changes for applying organizational development to counseling and…

Addresses the potential effects of environmental education on corporate behavior and social and environmental impact by examining connections between human behavior and environmental problems, the role of the modern corporation, a behavioral theory of the firm, and corporate social responsibility. (DC)