The University of Delaware developed an intelligent mail server to provide easy, inexpensive access to institutional information for faculty, staff, and students on any node, machine, or operating system on the campuswide computing network. Security concerns have been addressed. The small investment has returned immediate benefits. (MSE)

Describes ways of improving communications at all levels of residential camp program. Discusses appropriate means of giving information to staff and campers. Focuses on director-staff communication. Emphasizes value of well-planned precamp orientation, ongoing season communication, and regular staff meetings and conferences. Suggests postcamp…

Investigates supervisory-subordinate group decision making of eight groups under three conditions: supervisor physically present; present via audio teleconferencing; present via audio/graphics teleconferencing. Finds no significant differences in decision quality, communication style, and participant satisfaction. (SR)

Ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication and record-keeping in college and university planned giving programs are outlined. Simple techniques are offered for using laptop computers, planned giving software, and institutional databases to improve access to information during travel and on campus. (MSE)

Four experienced college business officers discuss how to communicate financial information to the college community. They focus on the importance of establishing trust within the institution; the role of the business officer in strategic planning; typical misunderstandings and how to avoid and correct them; supporting the president; and keeping…

Proposes sociological models about dominance and intergroup dynamics as feasible theoretical supplements to psychological models to explain the sources and significance of organizational-level change. Proposes substantive sharing of power with diverse or nontraditional employees hitherto marginalized in U.S. organizations as one potentially…

A survey of 344 colleges and universities investigated current practices concerning the dissemination of information, within the institution, about research funding opportunities. Results indicate that paper dominates electronic communication for such information dissemination, and selective, targeted distribution to faculty correlates positively…

Examined emotional exhaustion in relation to job satisfaction, communication within centers, and background variables among child care directors and teachers. Found satisfaction with working conditions was related to low emotional exhaustion, and the practice of holding staff meetings on staff development issues was related to increased job…

Using a system of alumni class agents for college advancement can be effective, but common problems include weak class identity, large class size, overburdened staff, and poor class communication. Institutions can help by offering on-campus training for class agents, communicating regularly, and recognizing agents' contributions and successes.…

Many colleges and universities will soon adopt distributed systems for executive information and decision support. Distribution of shared information through computer networks will improve decision-making processes dramatically on campuses. Critical success factors include administrative support, favorable organizational climate, ease of use,…

Higher education institution business officers need to follow principles of presentation, judgment, and measurement in developing effective executive financial reports. Principles include (1) keep the statement simple; (2) be consistent in reporting from year to year; (3) determine user needs and interests; (4) limit data; (5) provide trend lines;…

To combat the marginal nature of continuing education programs, continuing educators can use four strategies: (1) clear and consistent demonstration of competence; (2) adaptation to changing institutional priorities; (3) collegial relations; and (4) oral communication. (SK)

Provides a brief historical reconstruction of management communication in Italian companies. Suggests that dealing with communication technologies, communication professionals, and intercultural communication represent three future challenges. (NH)

Examines complexities and offers generic criticisms of three current approaches to innovation (total quality management, restructuring, reengineering). Notes difficulties and discusses specific problems related to: interrelatedness of planning, doing and evaluating; excessive time demands and paperwork; lack of balance between process and product;…

Finds that perceptions of an organization's climate (dimensions of cohesion, pressure, innovation, trust, support, and recognition) were associated with the types of communication relationships employees form with their peers. Finds that these associations were moderated in part by gender, suggesting that men and women differ significantly in the…