Abstract
Research in US higher educational institutions over more than a decade has produced dimensions defining aspects of inputs, processes and outcomes which are important for organisational effectiveness (OE) (Cameron, 1978). Furthermore, these dimensions have been shown to vary systematically to define the domain of each type of institution (e.g., ivy league versus regional college).
A significant step in the process of exploring various relationships impacting on effectiveness in Australian higher education would be to derive a classification along the lines of Cameron's work. This paper first reviews research in Australian higher education testing Cameron's dimensions and exploring aspects of organisational climate which appear to represent equally important dimensions of organisational effectiveness (Lysons and Ryder, 1988, 1989).
This study then undertakes a combined analysis of Cameron and of Jones and James (1979) variables to identify a more comprehensive set of dimensions. Discriminant procedures successfully predict and further define the single taxonomy suggested by the previous work involving organisational climate only (Lysons, 1990). Finally, the implications of these findings with particular regard to very recent structural adjustments in the higher education system are discussed including reference to further OE research directions undertaken in this ongoing program.
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Lysons, A. Dimensions and domains of organisational effectiveness in Australian higher education. High Educ 20, 287–300 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00136231
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00136231