The role of the research administrator in assuring that ethical judgments are made is discussed. Included are some of the ethical questions faced in providing advice and judgment on policies, procedures, and issues that conflict with each other and that may represent very different value systems. (JMF)

No group (within an organization) can be entirely harmonious, but conflict is not an altogether disruptive factor. A delicate balance is required to obtain the advantages and restrict the disadvantages of organizational conflict. The causes and forms of organizational conflict are examined. (JMD)

Ethnography has raised various issues for the educational research manager (the person responsible for directing a large-scale research and/or evaluation project). These include selection and management of ethnographers, negotiation of ethnographers' onsite roles, communication and coordination of ethnographers, and ethnographic data processing…

Describes a procedure that communication departments, advisors, and graduate students can utilize to help students cope with the task and social pressures that accompany working on a dissertation. Suggests that being and having a dissertation partner supplements the advisor's role by providing task support and social support. (KEH)

A personalized account of the value of experience as an institutional research director in undertaking the role of college president is provided in this paper. After initial references to the competing demands made of a college presdient, some qualities appropriate to individuals in this office are identified, including: (1) openness to new ideas;…

The ways and means for an Office of Research to promote research on the campus and consequently serve as a faculty advocate in research are discussed and illustrated through case histories. Motivating faculty, which includes creating the proper environment and attending to faculty needs, is the method discussed for promoting research. (JMD)

Major elements, both external and internal, that affect the university's research mission and can contribute to the kind of environment needed for research are examined. A model for the development of a research plan is presented, and the role research administrators should play in the planning process is explained. (JMD)

By helping to concentrate the efforts of all organizational units on institutional goals, by establishing research-based information systems, and by learning to allocate scarce resources efficiently, institutional researchers can offer numerous benefits for the management and operation of 2-year colleges. A comprehensive institutional research…

The sympoisum was held to describe the roots and future plans of the Engineering Research Center's (ERC's) concept and program. The first section of this symposium compilation describes the national goals that the ERCs represent. The second section presents the point of view of the National Science Foundation on the ERCs--the concept behind them,…

The university research administrator, whose position and role cut across all levels of administration, is responsible for the administration of millions of federal/nonfederal dollars. A profile of university research administrators taken from the Society of Research Administrators membership is provided and professionalization is discussed. (MLW)

Examines features of the alternative "new management" and some of the management practices that facilitate a high commitment to basic research in the private sector. Contends that most university research suffers from the use of discredited and inappropriate management practices. Concludes that managed research is essential in the new mode of…

Schools are often reluctant to be watched or studied, especially when their interests do not coincide with those of researchers. The development of good site relations can improve the chances of successful data gathering in such circumstances. In addition to acting with courtesy and respect, research teams can organize their site relations…

The controversy surrounding the study by the Committee on the Status of Black Americans requires discussion of: (1) the recent history of race relations research; (2) the role of the study's director; and (3) composition of the controlling committee. Since perspectives of researchers affect study outcomes, diversity in research leadership is a…

Describes the role of a research institute director in implementing policy, program, and management changes. Emphasizes the importance of modifying a peer review system to improve funding decisions. Discusses the needs of individuals with disabilities for pragmatic solutions to their problems and the interests of the rehabilitation research…

Many organizations believe that their long-range planning problems are due to daily demands for time and resources, but it is suggested that, in fact, they are merely poor long-range planners. Evaluation of work environment; action-agenda group; organization needs, goals, and objectives; and implementing objectives are discussed. (MLW)