In this introduction to a series of articles on educational bureaucracy, the author writes that for a bureaucracy to develop, the following elements must first have evolved: (1) a concept of guided authority; (2) a system of written records documenting function, place, and status of persons at various levels; and (3) employment and advancement…

Three models of lifetime employment, a Japanese concept, are the stationary model, the growth model, and the stagnation model. (SK)

This digest describes the emerging study of Knowledge Management (KM), a field that has much to offer administrators in higher education. KM principles recognize that it is important for organizations to "know what they know." It is the organized complexity of collaborative work to share and use information across all aspects of an…

Assessment center programs can be designed to measure specific skills with validity and reliability. The results of these assessments can be used to design both individual development programs and programs for developing the skills of groups of managers who have common weaknesses. (Author/IRT)

This study examines the influence of elite athletic clubs, and the individuals representing them, in establishing policies and affecting the conduct of the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America (NAAAA) and its successor, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). (MB)

Answers such questions as Why invest in training? Who should be responsible for it? When is training not the solution? How are training needs assessed? How should effective, low-cost programs be designed? and How should training programs be evaluated? (SK)

A four-level framework illustrates the contributions of human resource development (HRD) to management of organizational boundaries: (1) leadership development; (2) HRD strategy, policy, and structure as boundary shapers; (3) HRD interventions as creators and innovators; and (4) HRD as boundary spanner outside the organization. A table summarizes…

Mentoring programs are thriving at corporations, partly because of the downsizing that has occurred over the past decade. Mentoring offers a way to preserve intellectual capital and memory within a company. (JOW)

Considers how human performance technology (HPT) can achieve greater recognition in the mainstream business world by developing interventions that are framed in terms of enhancing the overall valuation of the organization's intangible assets. Discusses a consulting model that can be used with clients and stakeholders to identify barriers to…

Suggests that the scope of return on investment (ROI) for organizations includes measurable indicators of both the internal and external value added by the organization rather than just short-term profit and customer satisfaction. Topics include demonstrating progression toward required performance; and justifying problems to be solved in terms of…

Discusses the evolution of communities of practice and explains why training professionals have a stake in their creation and success. Looks at how training professionals have developed online communities. Lists online community resources and myths. (JOW)

Institutionally sponsored mentoring programs benefit organizations by aiding retention of employees or students. A successful program must have endorsement from top administration and a designated coordinator who is sensitive to organizational goals and objectives as well as the varied needs of mentors and proteges. (SK)

Discusses the Endeavor model of team building that offers a balance between physical and cerebral challenge and activity. (JOW)