Responding to Change: The Need for Flexible College Structures and Practices. Mendip Papers 005.

This paper considers, from a British perspective, organizational theory as it applies to colleges, and provides theoretical background for people involved in curriculum-led institutional development, as well as anyone concerned with college organization. Among the topics discussed are the following: (1) institutional resistance to change; (2) the organizational structure and its relation to the product or service of the school as well as the college sub-systems; (3) the problem of the demands of specialization versus concern for the organization as a whole; and (4) the many diverse interests and relationships that exist with the institution that are encountered among its members. Also discussed is the need to control the institutional environment when change is sought but some measure of stability is still desired. The last sections involve an examination of facilitating change when change is unavoidable, as well as the factors that are key to the success or failure of the curriculum or course innovations; and the question of how far the college can be structured and operated to facilitate the curriculum process. Contains 27 references. (GLR)