Investigates the nature of breakpoints, or the introduction of new topics, as they occur in group decision making processes. Defines breakpoints, analyzes the utility of the concept of breakpoints in group discussion, and offers tentative conclusions about the nature of group interaction. (SRT)

Suggests that quasi-theories may link symbolic interactionism and negotiated order theory. The proposal theory is grounded in a case study of a university sabbatical leave committee. Situational response is explained in regard to the microsocial processes of cure selection and cure justification, rather than relying on macrosocial issues.…

Points to the increasing education level in society as a force toward participative management style. Stresses that the education taking place in the United States may not equip people to work in a democratic workplace. Presents a model of participative management style and discusses its relationship to education. (BH)

The suggestion that universities, because of decentralization and loose coupling, lack strategies is examined. Decision-making at the university is considered, and it is found that because of the ways in which decisions are made--by professional judgment, administrative fiat, and collective choice--a degree of consistency is produced. (Author/MLW)

Describes a participatory management project that focused on distribution of management behaviors and facilitated a continual renewal process. Includes illustrations and tables. (MD)

Reviews research on group problem solving and offers suggestions for improving participation and task accomplishment in the workshop format. (JOW)

Focuses on the legal status of employee-participation programs, such as quality circles, that coexist with but are not controlled by unions. Suggests changes in public policy to protect participation programs that do not threaten the bargaining agent. (JOW)

In this study participativeness, centralization, and organizational autonomy were analyzed conceptually and operationally, and subsequently related to five indicators of organizational effectiveness. Participative, decentralized, and autonomous organizations are more effective. (Author)

This report presents a study that examined the desired roles and characteristics of faculty co-governance bodies. The study was conducted as part of the creation of the National Data Base on Faculty Involvement in Governance Project at the University of Alabama which was developed as a collaborative project among individual scholars from across…

Because most research done on the influence of participative management on library performance is ignored and an invalid measure of participation in decision making is used, this study provides no basis for the generalization that an increase in the library staff's participation in decision making will increase the library's effectiveness. (29…

Participative management is not the abdicating of responsibility by top management and allowing staff members to do whatever they wish; rather it forces decisions down to the level best suited to determine them by virtue of availability of relevant information and the effect of the decision on the operation. (21 references) (Author/NH).

Outlines a practical approach to planning for office automation termed the "Focused Process Approach" (the "what" phase, "how" phase, "doing" phase) which is a synthesis of the problem-solving and participatory planning approaches. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

Presents a case study of team management at work in the Hicksville (New York) school district, which was based on a program for organizational renewal that incorporated the idea of developing goals by consensus. (Author/WD)

Describes how members of the English Department at Texas Tech University redesigned their site as an open system in which control is distributed among department members. Describes the conversational approach they used to redesign the site, applies it to a critique of the original web site, then describes changes they implemented to remake the…

Provides an example of how HPT (human performance Technology) helped provide value in a community situation in Montreal. Describes a problem with graffiti that a neighborhood merchants association was having and explains how an HPT (human performance technology) professional suggested defining the reasons for the problem before solutions were…