In a learning organization, growth, learning, improvement, and everlasting experimentation are woven into its culture and employees not in a perpetual state of change will be unable to cope. Mentors can assist by finding a teachable moment, providing support without rescuing, and demonstrating authenticity, not perfection. JOW)

Postmodern pressures on hospitals and universities have an impact on nursing education. Different goals and environments of higher education institutions and health care organizations, values, and attitudes of nursing and nurses indicate a need to understand discursive practices and develop new ones. (SK)

Provides psychologists with the rationale and needs for addressing multiculturalism and diversity in education, training, research, practice, and organizational change, along with basic information and relevant terminology to support these guidelines. Provides references for additional information and discusses paradigms that broaden the purview…

Presents an analytical description of the recent reform process in higher education in Italy, with descriptions of the former governance and organizational structure, the reforming process and main features of the reforms instituted, and a provisional appraisal of the reforms to this point. (SLD)

Studied change in the customer service department of a utility company and an inner-city low-income school. Findings show that the traditional contradiction between socially progressive education and preparation for work is, at least, in some areas, waning, as workers begin to do more of the whole job and act "less like a robot." (SLD)

Examines patterns of academic drift (a drift toward the structure and norms typical of more prestigious universities) in multiple higher education systems and tests the concept of "isomorphism in organizational fields" as discussed in institutional theory. Argues that the theoretical framework provided by institutional theory presents a useful…

Explores why, as the higher education community shifts its focus from "access" to "access to what?," new maps--language and conceptions--are needed to help institutional leaders and policymakers update what is known about institutional structures and practices. (EV)

Hampton University (Virginia), in its second year of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 competition, has worked hard to make the transition smooth. However, NCAA regulations limit conference competition for the first eight years, which limits development of fan support. The institution is exploring conference options that…

Observation of 12 outstanding service-sector leaders showed how they use theories of employee learning to guide collection of information that they use to achieve the intellectual transformation of the work force. Notes that their success also depends on their ability to motivate and raise employee self-confidence. (SK)

A case study of a human service agency is used to demonstrate opportunities and dangers of diversity training, outline steps needed to manage transformation to multiculturalism, and make recommendations for lasting change in the areas of leadership, education and training, evaluation and follow-up, culture and management systems, and…

Argues that adult education discourse about the workplace uncritically adopts management perspectives and pays inadequate attention to gender and power issues. States that understanding gender as an organizing principle provides insights into these issues that can be applied to organizational change. (SK)

Examines each section of the Task Force on the Role and Future of Minorities' 1996 report that was delivered to the American Education Research Association (AERA) Council. Discusses Historical Context of Diversity Efforts in AERA; Changing Demographics, Epistemologies, and Ideologies; Inventory of Concerns; and Task Force Recommendations. (GR)

Examines Appreciative Inquiry, a relatively new approach to organizational change and growth, as a method for institutionalizing retention activity. Results of a case study in a college of arts and sciences suggest the method to be effective in creating a shared vision for the organization, energized participants, improved morale, and increased…

Examined the impact of institutional culture on the change process in colleges and universities. Using an ethnographic approach and two-tiered cultural framework, investigated comprehensive change at six institutions. Results suggest that campuses should conduct audits of their institutional culture before engaging in the change process. (EV)

Explores the cultural context of school improvement in Thailand, a developing Asian nation that retains a strongly traditional set of cultural values and norms. Drawing upon literature review and case-study data, examines the changing nature of successful school improvement in Thailand during period of rapid cultural transition. Also discusses…