Journal Articles and Chapters on
Organizational Change and Transformation
(1990 - 2000)

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Daoud, A., et. al. (1996). Research and planning: Educating the campus community for institutional change and student success. Metropolitan Universities: An International Forum, 7(2), 41-50.

A pro-active approach to supporting change is used by the Institutional Research and Planning Office at City College of San Francisco (California). The office actively disseminates information to the campus, gathers faculty and staff responses, and provides leadership throughout the planning process by promoting communication and trust.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. NE; IV. change, planning; V. academic workplace, administration; VI. SC; VII. CC.

Davies, J. L. (1997). The evolution of university responses to financial reduction. Higher Education Management, 9(1), 127-40.

In July 1993, DePaul University integrated its information technology and service functions under a new division of University Planning and Information Technology, consolidating formerly fragmented services to achieve a unified direction for information technology closely aligned with university goals. This case study discusses the framework, process and strategies used, and experiences of the first 18 months. It also examines the nature and characteristics of the phenomenon of retrenchment in universities and systems since the late 1970s. Five categories of financial reduction are identified, giving special attention to the situation of financial reduction coupled with increased demand and to approaches characterized by restructuring. Finally, the article discusses consequences for university culture and appropriate leadership patterns.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, E; III. NE; IV. change, strategy, restructuring; V. resource allocation, administration, climate/culture, leadership; VI. N/A; VII. N/A.

Dawson, B. L. (1991). The incredible shrinking institution: A five component downsizing model. Business Officer, 25(1), 26-30.

The author discusses the emotionally charged issue of institutional retrenchment and downsizing, with its accompanying difficulties. Immediate remedies including reducing and controlling expenditures work to some degree, but a complete analysis of the organizational structure, procedures, systems, planning strategies and environment is necessary for a more thorough approach.

Keywords: I. JB; II. P; III. NE; IV. change, planning, strategy; V. administration, climate/culture, management systems, resource allocation; VI. S; VII. NA.

Day, M. T. (1998). Transformational discourse: Ideologies of organizational change in the academic library and information science literature. Library Trends, 46, (4), 635-667.

The author traces the history of rhetoric in organizational change and the role of the academic library in advancing and promoting this rhetoric. The particular element of change referred to as "transformational discourse" began roughly thirty years ago; it was in part created by Library and Information Science through visions of scholarly workstations and electronic libraries. Academic librarians are now searching for new organizational identities

which will allow them to survive in the current economic and social climate.

Keywords: I. JS; II. E; NE; IV. transformation; V. systems, information technology; VI. SA; VII. M.

Desfosses, L. R. (1996). Strategies for hard times in higher education. CUPA Journal, 47(1), 13-19.

In times of retrenchment and fiscal exigency, planning and management strategies used in the private sector have practical applications for higher education. The author defines several strategies including organizational de-layering, employee empowerment, boundless thinking, problem-solving teams, accelerated processes, management and improvement, and stretch goals. Matrix-structured management, it is suggested, provides organizational flexibility. Also listed are several driving forces and key success factors.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, E; III. NE; IV. planning, restructuring, strategy; V. resource allocation, administration, structure; N/A; VII. N/A

Desrochers, L. A. (1994). They did it their way: Administrative transformation at Portland State University. Business Officer, 28(1), 30-34.

The author focuses on transformation of the administrative system at Portland State University (Oregon). Portland State used multiple, interrelated strategies such as consolidation of units, streamlining middle management, staff training, and professional development. Emphasis was also placed on technological conversion, a quality initiative, and a joint venture with a sister institution. Clear vision and leadership are cited as essential in a successful transformation effort.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. NE; IV. change, planning, strategy, merger; V. administration, information technology, leadership; VI. N/A; VII. C.

Dill, D. (1997). Effects of competition on diverse institutional contexts. In Peterson, M., Dill, D. & Mets, L. (Eds.). Planning and Management for a Changing Environment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

A review of recent literature finds that competition, brought on by the current transformation environment in higher education, has made academic management and planning more, not less similar for higher education institutions of all classifications and funding mechanisms. A "network" model of academic organization is proposed as an effective response to this increasing financial uncertainty and task complexity. Within the network model, four suggestions are offered for designing planning processes: designating and grouping related functions where necessary; encouraging reciprocal (down-up) communication and contact; promoting a planning capability within each strategic unit; and increasing direct communication with the members of the larger academic community.

Keywords: I. B; II. C; III. NE; IV. change, environmental change, planning, transformation; V. academic workplace, management system; VI. S; VII. M.

Dillman, H. L. & Hicks, M. A. (1990). Reorganizing for information technology management on campus. Cause Effect, 13(3), 4-6.

This 1990 article focuses on reorganization in terms of the management of information technology (IT) on college and university campuses. The author asserts that this rapidly changing technology will require institutions to review their IT management systems to assure speedy application of new developments in order to remain competitive.

Keywords: I. JE; II. P; III. NE; IV. change, strategy, technology,; V. administration, information technology, management systems; VI. S; VII. NA.

Dominick, C. A. (1990). Revising the institutional mission. New Directions for Higher Education; (No. 71 Managing Change in Higher Education), 18(2), 29-36.

This article employs a case study method to propose a prototype for achieving consensus among the various constituencies of a university when revising an institution's mission. Dominick studied the method successfully used by Wittenberg University to redefine its mission and derived a nine-step process for achieving consensus in mission revision. The process includes: 1) strong presidential leadership; 2) adequate budgetary support to underwrite the costs of the process; 3) endorsement and commitment to the revision by the governing board; 4) representation by all university constituencies, especially the faculty, the students, and the alumni; 5) open dialogue and communication within and between all constituencies; 6) employment of extant reports, data, and information-gathering and storage systems in the process; 7) adequate time allowed to afford group-building and commitment to the new mission within and between constituencies; 8) consensus on the implementation process and periodic evaluation of the results; and, 9) initiation at a natural occasion for change, such as the beginning of a new administration. Dominick notes that Wittenberg is a stable institution and that local circumstances may influence the process of revision as well as the shape of the final statement of purpose.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, E; III. QL; IV. change; V. mission, leadership, resource allocation; VI. SC; VII. LA.

Donald, A. W. & Naff, M. (1993). Facilitating change for survival. Cause-Effect, 16(2), 8-15.

An information technology group was formed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to facilitate and manage a major organizational change. The issues it faced were defining change, gaining support for it, organizing to facilitate change, educating staff, establishing strategies and measuring outcomes.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. QL; IV. change, strategy, planning; V. information technology, systems, administration; VI. SC; R.

Dorweiler, V. P. & Yakhou, M. (1994). Changes in professional degree programs in the USA: An environmental analysis of professional education requirements. Higher Education Research and Development, 13(2), 231-52.

Change as it is experienced in professional degree programs (accounting and engineering at the baccalaureate level, and business and law at the graduate level) is discussed in terms of external environmental factors (societal changes, competition, technology) and the internal application of Total Quality Management (TQM) to curriculum development is explored.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. QL; IV change, environmental change, technology; V. academic workplace, curriculum, information technology, management systems; VI. S; VII. NA

Duderstadt, J.J. (1997). Transforming the university to serve the digital age. Cause/Effect, 20 (4), 21-32.

Universities must develop the capacity to transform themselves in the face of rapidly shifting societal and technological paradigms or risk extinction. The author considers the primary "drivers of change" to be financial imperatives, societal needs, and technology; he then discusses the ways in which each of these "drivers" has an impact upon the fundamental nature of academic activities (teaching, research, the library, and service) and on the higher education enterprise as a whole. The author concludes by suggesting that the academic community aspire to a "culture of learning," characterized by learning-centered institutions that are able to serve a rapidly changing world.

Keywords: I. JE; II. C, E; III. NE; IV. transformation; V. structure; VI. SA; VII. M.

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Edwards, R. (1999). The academic department: How does it fit into the university reform agenda? Change, 30 (5), 16-27.

This article examines the role of the academic department in the successful realization of the institutional reform movement. The author argues that the current reform agenda has had an impact at two levels - institutional and individual - but does not address plans for transforming the "middle-level" university structures, such as academic departments. The author speaks of research universities in general and does not focus on institutional-specific studies. He states that the development of the academic department along the German research university model has resulted in "growing tensions" between what the institution needs and what the "classic" academic department can deliver. Specifically, he believes that departments should considering abolishing departmental lines and thus appoint faculty to "university positions", re-define the work for which departments are responsible, and reconceptualize the role of departmental leadership. The author closes with a call for wider discussion among faculty and administrators on the goals for university reform and how academic departments can become "partners" in this reform.

Keywords. I. JE; II. P; III. NE; IV. restructuring; V. academic workplace, administration, faculty, restructuring; VI. SA; VII. R.


El-Khawas, E. (1999). The impetus for organizational change: Internal and external influences on universities. Paper
presented at the EAIR Forum, August 23-25, 1999, Lund, Sweden.

This paper examines the factors that cause universities to undertake academic change, specifically, changes to achieve more effective teaching and learning. Based on an analysis of recent change at 30 U.S. colleges and universities, it suggests that universities respond to environmental pressures apart from those mandated by external actors. There is evidence, too, that universities actively link with their outside environment to further their internal objectives.*

Keywords: I. NA; II D,P; III QL; IV. change, environmental change, planning, transformation; V. academic workplace, faculty; VI. S; VII. M

Ellicott, M. A. & Conard, R. J. (1997). Designing quality service: The service excellence model. Facilities Manager, 13(4), 46-49.

College facilities managers turn to experiences in manufacturing and commercial service industries to provide ideas and information on downsizing, while improving quality of service. Six areas of a "Service Excellence Model" are 1) shared responsibility, 2) focus on core service processes, 3) empowerment of cross-functional process-improvement teams, 4) performance measurements and process controls, 5) environment of positive reinforcement, and 6) management support focused on core service processes.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. NE; IV. quality improvement; V. administration; management systems, resource allocation; VI. S; VII. NA

Elliott, D., et. al. (1993). Overcoming institutional barriers to broad-based curricular
Change. Innovative Higher Education, 18(1), 37-46.

Techniques used to overcome barriers to change in the automobile industry are explored, in an attempt to facilitate change in curriculum development at Southern Illinois University. An interdisciplinary faculty team approach (university) and interdepartmental team approach (automobile industry) were found to be effective in overcoming discipline or department loyalties that hampered broad-based changes.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. NE; IV. change, technology; V. curriculum, information technology, management systems; VI. SC; VII. C.

Elton, L. & Cryer, P. (1994). Quality and change in higher education. Innovative Higher Education, 18, 205-220.

This analytical article provides evidence that as the combined pressures on British universities for better quality and public accountability have increased primarily through two governmental agencies ñ the Employment Department and the Higher Education Funding Councils the quality of British higher education is actually declining. Perhaps Elton and Cryer's main contribution to change theory is their model for institutional change which they offer first as a series of successive steps and second as three key elements of a change strategy. Quoting Fullan (1990) the step process is: 1) begin with small groups and build momentum; 2) utilize both pressure and support to assure success; 3) give careful consideration to the relationship between changes in behavior and changes in belief; and, 4) understand that ownership of the change must emerge during a successful change process rather than magically happen at the beginning of the process. Quoting Jones and Lewis (1991) the key elements of a change strategy are: 1) identify a group and the key decision makers within that group which are ready for change; 2) identify a problem or problems within the organization which are generally accepted as being in need of resolution; and, 3) develop an appropriate staff development program so the change may be effectuated. Elton and Cryer close their essay calling for an analysis of the lessons learned from earlier experiences of the Higher Education Funding Councils so that the mistakes made previously in a research quality exercise will not be repeated thus potentially causing a decades-long decline in British higher education quality.

Keywords: I. JE; II. C, E, P; III. NE; IV. change, quality improvement, strategy; V. environmental change, climate/culture, administration; VI. N/A; VII. N/A.

Ender, K. L. & Mooney, K. A. (1994). From outsourcing to alliances: Strategies for sharing leadership and exploiting resources at metropolitan universities. Metropolitan Universities: An International Forum, 5(3), 49-55.

The article examines institutional cost-saving strategies associated with outsourcing and partnerships, promoting the notion that well-organized and clearly defined outsourcing can bring advantages to institutions apart from financial advantages. There is a particular emphasis on inter-institutional alliances. Background for the article is provided from the work of Zemsky and Massy. Examples of partnerships are provided, but the examples lack specificity. Some suggestions for alliances and outsourcing are provided, including making clear boundaries between organizations when writing contracts and paying careful attention to personnel issues.

Keywords: I. JE; II. E, P; III. NE; IV. change, strategy; V. climate/culture, alliance/partner, administration, resource allocation; VI. N/A; VII. R, C.

Erwin, D. (1997). Developing strategies and policies for changing universities. In Armstrong, S., Thompson, G. & Brown, S. (eds.) Facing up to radical changes in universities and colleges. London: Kogan Press, 64-73.

In order to retain credibility and remain competitive within the rapidly changing higher education environment, U.S. universities must shift from being teaching centered to learning centered, which will require an improvement in institutional marking and evaluation processes. This improvement can be gained, in part, through establishment of a thorough quality assessment system. The article proposes an assessment model based on those currently used in Europe and composed of four central steps: clear statement of objectives/outcomes; development of assessment methods based on program objectives, collection of information, and assessment of information. Establishment of a credible institutional assessment program can be used for both program improvement and also to facilitate public understanding of educational objectives.

Keywords: I. B; II. C, P; QL; IV. quality improvement; V. structure; VI. S; VII. M.

Etzkowitz, H. (1996). From knowledge flows to the triple helix. The transformation of academic-industry relations in the USA. Industry and Higher Education, 10(6), 337-42.

In this article, a change from a more traditional one-way flow of knowledge (from research at the university level to implementation and innovation at the industrial level), to a "triple-helix model" in which the three separate separate spheres of university, government and industry overlap, is explored. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is cited as an example of the "entrepreneurial university" of the 90s.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, C; III. QL; IV. transformation; V. mission, structure, systems; VI. SC; VII. R.

Ewell, P. T. (1993). Total quality & academic practice: The idea we've been waiting for? Change, 25(3), 49-55.

This article begins by comparing the higher education assessment movement and the incorporation of TQM principles at colleges and universities. Assessment and TQM have both been objects of much criticism in academia. Both movements were introduced to higher education and experienced rapid growth early on, and both movements emphasize a knowledge-driven decision-making process. There are important differences, however. Assessment was well-received on campuses in a social climate in which colleges were to demonstrate increased public accountability. Ewell points out that TQM has found appeal on campuses because of its focus on quality improvement as a function of cost-effectiveness, two issues which are of continual interest to higher education. TQM, Ewell argues, is a more comprehensive change than assessment. He explains that assessment can be added to "business as usual" in higher education, where TQM principles, if adopted, will mean significant changes to the way educators think and function. He takes each of the hallmark principles of TQM (decentralized decision-making, focus on core processes, customer focus, continuous improvement, etc.) and debunks arguments that these principles have long been a part of higher education operations.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, E; III. NE; IV. change, environmental change; quality improvement; V. administration, systems, climate/culture; VI. N/A; VII. M.

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Fairweather, J.S. (1999). Diversification or homogenization: how markets and governments combine to shape American higher education. Higher Education Policy, 13 (1), 79-98.

The development and evolution of nearly 3500 traditional colleges and universities, as well as a number of corporate and propriety institutions, can be seen as the result of an interaction of a variety of markets, government policies and institutional actors. The article begins with an examination of structural and cultural diversity within American higher education institutions (within- and between-institutions), and proceeds to discuss the various academic markets which have an impact on this diversity, with particular attention to faculty pay as a function of teaching versus research. The article concludes by discussing the effects of market and governmental policies on the "system" of American higher education.

Keywords: I. JE; II. E; III. BT; IV. environmental change; V. systems; VI. MC; VII. M.

Farmer, D. W. (1990). Strategies for change. New Directions for Higher Education, 18(2), 7-18.

While Academic Vice President at King's College, the author had the opportunity to be a part of several change initiatives. From this experience, the author relates several elements necessary for successfully fostering change. Articulated are the roles of the change agent, how to build a supportive environment, some specific implementation strategies, and the importance of attentiveness to sustaining change. The ability to understand and respond to the human dimension of change is ultimately the determining factor in implementing and sustaining successful change. The effective change agent also understands the difference between implementation and maintenance of innovation.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D, P; III. QL; IV. change, environmental change; V. climate/culture; VI. SC; VII. LA.

Fields, C. D. (1997). UDC battling back after major surgery. Black Issues in Higher Education, 14(4), 14-15.

This article reports the comments of The University of the District of Columbia's President, Faculty President, and Student Body President on the occasion of a convocation to address particular issues related to UDC's efforts to deal with its budget crisis, threat of loss of accreditation, and enrollment declines.

Keywords: I. JE; II. D; III. NE; IV. change, environmental change; V. resource allocation, leadership; VI. N/A; VII. N/A

Fisher, J. L. (1993). TQM: A warning for higher education. Educational Record, 74(2), 15-19.

The author, past president of two organizations and a higher education consultant, reflects on his readings and experiences with regard to Total Quality Management (TQM). Although TQM offers admirable goals and the promise of organizational improvement, the process it recommends is not a panacea and may only forestall the conflict inevitably arising from decision making, individual accountability, and organizational change. TQM tenets appear to advocate doing more of the same while what higher education truly needs is something different. Alone, TQM is a dangerous path to tread. It is only through coupling some aspects of TQM with inspirational leadership, long range planning, individual accountability, and cost reduction that it may be worthy for application in the higher education industry.

Keywords: I. JE; II. E, P; III. NE; IV. change, quality improvement; V. administration, leadership, resource allocation; VI. N/A; VII. N/A

Fry, J. A. (1995). Preparing for administrative restructuring: A strategic approach. In Johnson, S.L., & Rush, S.C. (Eds.). Reinventing the university: Managing and financing institutions of higher education. Toronto: John Wiley & Sons. 79-100.

This chapter provides stepwise instructions for administrative restructuring. The author begins with an overview of the restructuring process and proceeds to describe each major stage, itemizing important concepts within each stage. The author contends that organizational restructuring within higher education is not a question of "if" but rather "when," and the key to successful restructuring depends on the institution's ability to recognize significant opportunities, establish clear goals, develop a comprehensive plan, and forge consensus on an appropriate business model. Most importantly, the institution must be attuned to the needs of its clients and be willing to embrace the best method for meeting those needs.

Keywords. I. B; II. P; III. NE; IV. restructuring; V. administration; VI. SA; VII. M.

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This bibliography was prepared for the Kellogg Forum on Higher Education Transformation program and funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.


Higher Education Transformation Work Group
Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
2117 School of Education
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1259