Book Description

The literature concerning higher education and generic organization theory is reviewed to address various questions relating to faculty participation in institutional decision-making. Attention is directed to: the rationale for faculty participation, alternative types of participation, participation in academic senates, participation by functional area, participation at the system and state levels, participation and centralization/decentralization, strengthening consultative processes, and increasing faculty satisfaction and participation. Generic organization theory provides extensive reasons why participation in organizational decision-making can improve employees' satisfaction and performance. Types of faculty participation in institutional decision-making are separate jurisdictions, shared authority, and joint participation. Faculty participation can involve curriculum design, faculty personnel status, selection and evaluation of administrators, planning, budgeting, and planning for retrenchment or financial exigency. Joint faculty and administrator efforts may focus on four important areas: rebuilding collegial foundations, shaping the consultative framework, increasing the availability of information, and facilitating group deliberations. Areas for further analysis are suggested. (SW)