Analyzes the form and function of colleges in terms of organizational theory. Argues that while the purpose of colleges and industries may differ in their results, they are fundamentally similar in structure; in order to improve, both must become more open to communication, action, change and learning. Contains 1 figure and 29 references. (JDI)

Examines how data generated from a planned intervention facilitated a redesign of work teams in one state's public welfare agency. Major results of the intervention show improved client services and higher staff morale. Concludes that students and practitioners preparing for careers in human services can benefit from a review of the strategies…

Oxfam America is an international development and relief organization that is grappling with building a learning organization, creating constructive labor-management relations, and trying to position itself as one of the most effective, forward-looking nongovernmental organizations of the next century. (JOW)

The following trends facing the world of work have implications for human resource development: (1) the nature of work is changing, (2) the pace of change is accelerating, (3) the Web is a structural model of team rather than pyramid organization, (4) the bargaining power of the work force is rising, and (5) value exchanges are direct. (JOW)

Examines the establishment experiences of eight Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) support offices. Each GLBT office provided documentation of its experiences which were analyzed to discover the common themes and "lessons learned." The themes of "establishment" were linked to a set of strategies and tactics important to the process of…

Businesses are confronting continuous and unparalleled changes. For organizations to assist employees in being motivated and prepared for change, it is essential that managers, leaders, and organization development professionals understand factors that may influence individual change readiness. The purpose of the research study examined here was…

The author uses the theory and process of organizational learning to make a case for how to understand and address the cultural and structural barriers that preclude colleges and universities from producing equitable educational outcomes for students. (Contains 1 table.)

The term "mission creep" was originally coined nearly a hundred years ago to describe the gradual process by which a military mission's stated methods and goals change, and recently the term has been applied to incremental organizational changes. In this article, the term is used to describe what happens when a teaching-oriented college or…

This interview with Dr. Hallie Preskill focuses on the organizational change method known as appreciative inquiry (AI), which is described as a process that builds on past successes (and peak experiences) in an effort to design and implement future actions. Preskill takes the philosophy and principles put forth by organizational change AI…

In this study, the author applies B. K. Curry's (1992) model of organizational institutionalization to a case study involving efforts to implement course and teaching portfolios in a small business school. This article is based on the personal observations of those involved and the published literature on the subject. Both teaching and course…

Previous ethnographic pedagogical approaches in basic writing classrooms emphasized students' acculturation into academic discourse; however, teachers' critical reflection should also consider how exposure to students' experiences intervenes in and informs pedagogical practices. In this article, I argue that teachers should listen to their…

The "Diversity Scorecard" is an ongoing initiative designed to foster institutional change in higher education by helping to close the achievement gap for historically underrepresented students. The idea for the Diversity Scorecard emerged in 2001 when it became evident that equity, while valued in principle at many institutions, is not…

Reflection upon a field study of a corporate transformation provides insights into the application and integration of organizational learning theory and frameworks with local, corporate knowledge. In the corporate transformation studied this local knowledge came from consumer psychology, marketing campaigns and the use of media. When these ideas…

Continuing education is being provided to professionals in the addiction treatment field to help them develop skills in process improvement and better meet the needs and requests they encounter. Access and retention of individuals seeking addiction treatment have been two of the greatest challenges addiction treatment professionals face.…

Universities in Australia, as part of the public sector and reliant on public funding, are increasingly the subject of pressure for greater accountability and organisational change. The role of senior managers in the sector is often to be change agents and to manage the change process effectively. However the implementation of any change envisaged…