ORGANIZATIONAL-CHANGE AS PARADIGM SHIFT - ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGE PROCESS IN A LARGE, PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

SIMSEK H., LOUIS K.

JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION, vol.65, no.6, pp.670-695, 1994 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 65 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 1994
  • Doi Number: 10.2307/2943824
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.670-695
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

A model of organizational change that is based on Kuhn's paradigm theory is applied to a long-term planning process at the University of Minnesota. The data suggest that, although planning began in the mid-1970s, the 1980s saw a paradigm change that increased centralization in strategic orientation and a reduction in size and programs. The shift is described as a paradigmatic transformation from ''anarchic populism'' to ''managed populism.'' Implications for organizational research are discussed.