Fallen ivory towers: Avoiding collapse through analysis of the antecedents leading to university decline

Numerous variables from mismanagement to lack of a clear marketing approach contribute to the decline of private universities throughout the United States. Limited empirical research exists to identify which variables most frequently occur when a university is faced with the prospect of decline. It is imperative that universities understand the magnitude of the decline process so that, when faced with a decline, the university can take effective corrective action and bring about turnaround.;Organizational structure theories as well as organizational decline theories are presented to gain a basic understanding of organizational dynamics and to lay the groundwork for the presentation of general organizational decline theory, stages of organizational decline and sources of organizational decline. The organizational structure of private universities are then be explored. Finally, university decline are explored both historically as well as through the development of a basic understanding of university decline theories. Presidential leadership and market orientation are thoroughly discussed as major variables of the study.;A quantitative research design is utilized to identify the relationship of presidential leadership style, market orientation and university decline. Recommendations are then made based upon the data that will assist university leadership in identifying possible antecedents to university decline and the role of market orientation on decline, and which will also provide a framework for further research on those variables occurring in greatest frequency to be analyzed quantitatively in future research.;The results of this study reveal several findings for the leadership of private not-for-profit universities. No relationship was found between market orientation and the university growth or decline status. Relationships were found between charismatic leadership style and the presence of a market orientation within a university. Relationships were found between aspects of charismatic leadership style and the growth or decline status of a university but overall where not significant as a whole. Recommendations are made for university presidents to consider based upon these results.