Implementing shared decision making in school-based management requires fundamental changes in traditional behavior. Initiation of restructuring systemic authority and decision-making arrangements requires changing deeply held beliefs and developing new roles and relationships. A recent survey of educational practitioners identified eight major barriers to change, which include: (1) fear of taking risks; (2) fear of losing power; (3) resistance to changing roles and responsibilities; (4) lack of trust; (5) lack of definition and clarity; (6) inadequate or inappropriate resources; (7) lack of skills; and (8) lack of hierarchical support. The first five are discussed in this first of a two-issue report; the last three are examined in the second issue. (LMI)