The rate of growth in government spending (particularly, slow growth or decline) has an important impact on the effectiveness of resource allocation. Data from 47 developing nations was used to test a model, based on public choice theory, of interest-group behavior and educational budget growth/decline. Government spending trends were related to…

Questionnaire data from 81 managers and 364 employees identified five factors predicting high team orientation in organizations: relationships with management, innovation, control of work by immediate supervisors, group cohesiveness, and open group process. (SK)

An interpretive case study examines the organizational disintegration of a community college that experienced a sudden loss of leadership, focusing on how its culture both contributed to and prevented organizational chaos. It addresses how leaders can honor the culture and mission of educational organizations and simultaneously work to transform…

In five studies, the applicability of two North American instruments for student evaluation of teacher performance was assessed at the University of Western Sydney (Macarthur, Australia). Results of a multitrait-multimethod analysis indicate the instruments are applicable at this institution and across diverse educational settings. (Author/MSE)

A climate survey is an instrument tailored to measure the attitudinal climate within a department and provides a medium for communication between employees and administrators. The Department of Visual Communications and Technology Education at Bowling Green (Ohio) State University uses such an evaluation to determine the state of attitudinal…

Calculating the productivity of a college or university is more complex than determining a machine's productivity. Sixteen rational, cultural, political, and cognitive constraints that influence institutional productivity are outlined and their mediation by institutional culture and history is noted. (MSE)

The pros and cons of air pollution control efforts are discussed. Both national and regional air pollution control plans are described. Topics of discussion include benefit-cost analysis, air quality regulation, reducing ozone in the urban areas, the Los Angeles plan, uncertainties, and policy implications. (KR)

College business officers should examine whether they and their institutions are practicing stress-inducing activities, and modify current practice to reduce stress on employees. Stresses can originate in the organizational framework, managerial style, or manager personality. Review of individual and organizational actions possible causing stress…

A review of sociological and economic literatures on gift making emphasizes aspects of giving club policy that can be manipulated to enhance donor response. A college might foster conditions for gift making as a social custom. However, economic theory suggests a donor surplus enables institutions to appeal for more giving than expected.…

Evaluation utilization problems encountered and remedial strategies are discussed by a director of several government evaluation studies and evaluation manager. Political and behavioral prerequisites to evaluation utilization as well as on-going organizational requirements are emphasized. (TJH)

Changing the corporate culture of a college or university is a complex undertaking and a task that must often be accomplished to enable innovations in mission, programs, organizational structure, and ways of conducting institutional affairs. Administrators can use specific techniques to lead intelligently, sensitively, firmly, and collegially.…

Overview of current trends in the preservation of library materials discusses collections conservation and management; climate control; insect and mold control; fire control; the effects of compact shelving; freezing and freeze-drying; space drying; alkaline paper; recycled paper; mass deacidification; and paper strengthening. (27 notes and…

Relationships between organizational effectiveness and the effectiveness of organization leaders were studied for 112 elementary school principals in Alberta (Canada) who rated effectiveness on 38 organizational and 29 leadership criteria. Results support a close relationship between the two constructs and highlight the complexity of educational…

Responses from 31 nursing faculty and the managers of nursing units in which their students' practices differed significantly in perceptions of communication. A significant positive correlation appeared between organizational climate, communication, and role strain. Role strain and communication were also correlated with length of time in the…

Argues that effective sociology courses should point to a central contradiction of a social problem or institution. Contends that organizations and organizational theory are prime choices for this role. Concludes that changes in the way work is designed and managed result in more creativity and productivity. (CFR)