| This study examines and critical factors in senior leadership and organizational culture at 11 postsecondary institutions during a process of organizational change. These institutions were at one time in their histories single degree-granting institutions but became regionally accredited institutions that conferred both associate in arts and bachelor of arts degrees. The variables of institutional mission, organizational culture, academic issues, change factors, and change tactics conceptualized this change process. Faculty, senior administrators, student affairs personnel, and midlevel managers completed data compiled for the study.;Results indicated participating institutions transitioned from two-year colleges to four-year colleges with relative success. Of particular importance to this process was an understanding of and an appreciation for the role of the mission and its relationship to the current operational mission, educational outcomes, and decision making throughout the organization. Senior administrators were important factors in creating a campus ethos that created and sustained awareness of and need for change at the institutions that participated in the study. Support for change was due, in large measure, to the efforts of senior administrators that stimulated meaningful discussion on the change process from every sector of campus life. Additionally, the use of multiple tactics and strategies to secure organizational change and an open and participatory process created a sense of institutional need for change and engaged the campus community as important interpreters, actors, and supporters of the change process. |
