Loose coupling implies the tying together of subsystems in such a fashion that neither can do without the other but neither has much control over the other. The idea of loose coupling, introduced by Karl Weick, is examined in relation to educational administration and organizational analysis in general. The concept employs both a particular theory of social interaction and a distinct methodology. Loose coupling suggests that events or activities comprise subsystems and that these subsystems may only be lightly linked together, depending upon the welfare of the greater system. The concept, in relation to educational administration, is criticized, and alternative views on organizational theory are provided. Sixty references are included in the essay. Selected readings that relate to this concept are presented, and include (1) "Educational Organizations as Loosely Coupled Sytems" (K. E. Weick); (2) "The Concept of Organization" (E. Bittner); (3) "Institutional Organizations: Formal Structure as Myth and Ceremony" (J. W. Meyer and B. Rowan); and (4) "Organizations: a Dialectical View" (J. K. Benson). Each reading includes references and appropriate figures. An annotated bibliography is provided for further reading. (WTH)