Seven issues in this theme issue focus on the need for change in the National Future Farmers of America Organization. The authors stress that change will produce a larger and stronger membership that understands and values the existence of agricultural education as a tool in building tomorrow's leaders. (Author/JOW)

Suggests that community colleges might consider replacing their current discipline-based divisions, which are homogenized and hierarchically undifferentiated, with a more program- or degree-oriented structure. Compares the traditional and program-specific models. (DMM)

Research identified six areas of organization change that will have significant effects on development-oriented practices in and around the workplace. By the end of the century, the workplace will be different. The changes will be successful only if people change, develop, and grow. (JOW)

Examines industrial and organizational factors in the development of the superhero comic book industry. Discusses three major industrial influences on content: children as the primary market, company ownership, and production costs. Compares current trends with the 1950s and 1960s, and argues that the medium presently is a vehicle for cultural…

Describes framework for organizational change based on propositions that change must be measurable and observable; organizational change requires individual change; and individual change requires learning and motivation to apply learning. Two models explained: a matrix indicating degrees of acceptance of problem and solution and continuum relating…

Examines attempts to solve interdepartmental problems innovatively in a postsecondary educational institution. Finds that cooperative (rather than competitive or independent) goals, and open and skillful communication are important elements in the successful communication of diverse perspectives, fostering innovation in an organization. (SR)

Studies the process through which four jazz musicians coordinate an inventive performance, without rehearsal or the use of sheet music. Identifies a basic strategy of shared information, communication, and attention for inventing and coordinating increasingly complex musical ideas. Draws implications for the study and management of organizational…

Discusses critical changes in child welfare agencies brought about by the growth since the early 1960s of purchase-of-service contracts between government and nonprofit agencies. (SAK)

Twelve key factors influence an organization's ability to learn and change: strategy/vision, executive practices, managerial practices, climate, organizational structure, information flow, individual/team practices, work processes, performance goals/feedback, training/education, individual/team development, and rewards/recognition. (SK)

Discusses process of altering how school-based services are conceptualized and delivered relative to literature on effective change and innovation implementation. Describes development of Instructional Consultation Team Model, and presents model for change consisting of three stages (initiation, implementation, and institutionalization).…

Defines high performance work organizations, summarizes research findings on their effectiveness, and describes examples in the auto, steel, apparel, airline, and computer industries. (SK)

Post-Fordism suggests that trade work practices are outmoded and industrial restructuring will improve economic outcomes. This view overlooks an important characteristic of industrial trades--the integrity of the work culture--and is oblivious to the merits of the tradespersons' cultural identity. (SK)

Lean production changes organizational style and structure, roles of team leaders and members, training needs, problem-solving approaches, labor relations, and pay practices. The profound cultural changes it causes may trigger defenses that cause it to fail. (SK)

Understanding organizations as learning organisms requires a higher level of analysis, including a systems approach and biological, cybernetic, dialectical, and chaos analysis. (SK)

Discusses aspects of collaborative writing in the workplace, including styles of management and collaboration; deciding whether to adopt a collaborative approach; research and implementation; collaboration in process; and evaluation, recognition, and rewards. (SR)