After considering the processes and trends leading to the increasing litigiousness of American society, this paper documents and analyzes the progressive encroachment of the judiciary into academe as a legitimate means of conflict resolution. The impetus for these conflicts and the resulting types of lawsuits are investigated and implications…

In the 1970s, comprehensive secondary schools were mandated in England. This article reports a study of the effects of reorganization on seven East Midlands secondary schools. From interviews with administrators, information was collated concerning curricular changes occurring since reorganization, the formal organization adopted, and internal and…

Organizations go through life cycles that affect their behavior. Growth models often relate to leadership. In a study of one mental health center's development, growth is related to funding. If funding remains diversified and productivity is kept high, growth of a mature organization remains manageable. (JAC)

Four aspects of organizational development (OD) strategies, which have been used in schools over the past 15 years, are reviewed: values, goals, and assumptions; models and operating characteristics; impact on achievement, productivity, and attitudes; and the future use of OD in schools. (Author/RD)

Reviews the changes in management approach that have been implemented at the headquarters of the New York City Board of Education. Discusses individuals' roles in revamping administrative procedures, and considers the importance of urban educational research in shaping new policies. (GC)

The author proposes changes in preservice training and school administration practices that would end traditional school hierarchies and make the teacher/administrator relationship one of equal professionals functioning in separate spheres. (SJL)

Documents communication and interpersonal problems commonly experienced by organizational members who are perceived as being dissimilar. Supports a two-pronged approach to fostering a more equitable workplace: using mentoring programs as a long-term strategy, and using discrete and consistent supervisory disclosures of task-relevant information as…

Examines the relevance of reengineering for organizational development in a technology-enabled marketplace. Emphasizes the need for shorter timeframes to implement change and discusses reasons for reengineering failure, as well as ways to make executive sponsorship more secure. (AEF)

Addresses issues arising from the application of a learning model to the Greek public administration system. Suggests a process of organizational self-learning that is capable of transforming a state bureaucracy into a self-referential organization. The process of self-learning is based on a repeating cycle of knowing, reflecting, understanding,…

College and university strategic planning works best when staff performance appraisal and development are used together to bring about both organizational and individual change. However, these must be more than bureaucratic exercises unrelated to daily staff management. Individual staff must be able to see themselves as important in carrying out…

Describes the development of a distance education program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) which will meet several needs: lifelong learning; adult education; service to remote populations; and continuing education for faculty in remote campuses. Provision of large-scale education depends on addressing issues dealing with…

In response to marketplace and organizational changes, Owens Corning Corporate Library developed a strategic plan to secure its function within the organization. Describes outsourcing transactional services, creating an Intranet/Internet tool for users, redefining the library as a knowledge resource center, and achieving team commitment. A sidebar…

For a higher education institution to sustain excellence in the fundamental missions of teaching, research, and service, it must have a cultural context that encourages clarity of purpose, flexibility, creativity, tolerance, intelligence, meaningful communication, and willingness to learn new things and from past mistakes. All are characteristics…

Privatizing college services, however attractive, may come at a price. Institutional concerns about losing control of services, too much outside presence on campus, and loss of collegiality are real issues. Each institution must assess its own situation and monitor its movement toward contracting out services to private business, balancing…

Pennsylvania State University will turn 14 of its two-year campuses into four-year colleges, changing the face of higher education in the state and raising concerns for competing institutions. Three campuses will retain two-year status. The change is due to overcrowding at the University Park flagship campus, and because too few two-year campus…