This report outlines the history of the centralization-decentralization dilemma in the goverance of organizations, discusses two types of centralization-decentralization continua, and suggests further research. The first type of continuum discussed -- the traditional American -- refers to decisionmaking in the areas of public debate and partisan…

The Sports Institute for Research Through Change Agent Research (SIR/CAR) provides a service whereby organizations through an audit and feedback system prognosticate and identify problems in order to avoid situations discordant with their organizational goals and objectives. This document reports the organizational crisis that faced the Windsor…

This simulation employs a case history of an actual crisis intervention in a municipal agency to describe the general principles of change within a social system, to explain the role of the consultants in the change process, and to illustrate a rationale for change procedures. Specifically, the intervention strategy employed to solve internal…

Discusses the use of conflict management and organizational development techniques to develop collaborative decision-making in an organization. (Available from The Conference Board Record, Box 908 SDR P.O. Station, New York, NY 10022; $30.00 annually, $1.50 single copy.) (JG)

Discusses Chicago's recent adoption of a new personnel system patterned closely after the Model Public Personnel Administration Law developed by the National Civil Service League (NCSL). Describes major provisions of NCSL's model law and relates the process used by NCSL to develop, evaluate, and encourage adoption of the model law. (JG)

Reviews the development and evolution of differentiated staffing (D/S) concepts, discussing reasons for the widespread rejection of vertical role differentiation and the absorption of horizontal role differentiation into wider programs focused on individualized instruction and open education. Predicts that D/S will not be widely adopted in the…

The author presents these three ground rules for engaging in organizational conflict: (1) take the offensive; (2) take the cue for the second move from the opponent's defensive response; and (3) know when to execute a "strategic retreat." (HMV)

This article describes the results of the research relative to the initiation and diffusion process variables, and lists certain propositions which may be useful to practitioners, planning consultants and researchers. (Author/HB)

In this interview, subjects covered include: changes in Islam, the spiritual greatness of America, Muslim businesses, interracial marriage, the World Community of Islam, and opening the doors of Islam to Caucasians. (WI)

The Dallas Model Office has succeeded in resolving the old Equal Employment Opportunity Commission problem of backlog of complaints about discrimination so that greater and more meaningful attention can be given to the problem of eliminating systematic job discrimination. (Author/WI)

In a survey, clients and consultants agreed that actions fostering success are the following: agreeing on objectives and evaluation measures, providing flexible approaches, gaining commitment, and preparing the consultant. Both cited unclear/unrealistic objectives as a pitfall. To improve client/consultant success, guidelines can identify the…

This paper explores some of the issues concerning the acceptance or rejection of positive program evaluation data by the system in which the program is embedded. System acceptance and diffusion rates are considered as functions of first- or second-order change factors. Several approaches are presented and discussed. (Author)

Student development programming goals are analyzed. Student development programs will make minimal progress in higher education without the intentional application of sound approaches to organizational change. Organization development and its concepts and strategies are presented as one systematic approach that warrants study and application by…

A prediction is made on changes that will occur in teacher education as educators respond to a changing society. (JD)

Sound organizational processes in administrative and academic units in schools of education enable personnel to gros and develop personally and professionally. (JD)