Innovation in Adult Education: an Organizational Analysis

Abstract

Research on the diffusion of innovations has largely ignored the effects of organizational variables on planned educational change. The present study developed and tested a theoretical model of the organizational dynamics of innovation in adult edu cation agencies. The data base consisted of a randomly selected, national sample of 651 adult basic education programs. Innovation was measured by a composite index of innovative instructional and administrative practices. Findings based on multiple regression analysis were consistent with the principal assumptions of the model. Size, differentiation of staff roles, staff professionalism, and reliance on professional communication channels were positively associated with innovation. Director's professionalism had the largest direct impact on program innovation. It was concluded that organizational variables, especially staff professionalism, exert a major influence on innovation in adult basic education agencies. Research and policy implications are discussed.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Anderson, Darrell V. "The Adoption of Recommended Administrative Practices by Directors of Public School Adult Education in the Province of British Columbia." Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia , 1975.

Baldridge, J. Victor , and Burnham , Robert A. "Organizational Innovation: Individual, Organizational, and Environmental Impacts." Administrative Science Quarterly 20 ( 1975): 165-76.

Beder, Harold W. , and Darkenwald, Gordon G. Development, Demonstration and Dissemination: Case Studies of Selected Special Projects in Adult Basic Education. Syracuse: Syracuse University Publications in Continuing Education, 1974.

Blau, Peter M. The Organization of Academic Work. New York: John Wiley, 1973.

Blau, Peter M. , and Schoenherr, W.R. The Structure of Organizations. New York: Basic Books, 1971.

Clark, Burton R. Adult Education in Transition. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1968.

Corwin, Ronald G. "Innovation in Organizations: The Case of Schools." Sociology of Education 48 (1975): 1-37.

Darkenwald, Gordon G. ; Beder, Harold W. ; and Adelman, A. Kolker. Problems of Dissemination and Use of Innovations in Adult Basic Education. New York: Center for Adult Education, Columbia University, 1974.

Hage, Jerald , and Aiken, Michael. "Program Change and Organizational Properties, A Comparative Analysis." American Journal of Sociology 72 (1967): 503-510.

10.

Kerlinger, Fred N. , and Pedhazur, Elazar. Multiple Regression in Behavioral Research . New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston , 1973.

11.

Kolker, Aliza. "Marginal Organizations: Professionalism, Innovation and Communication in Adult Basic Education." Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Columbia University, 1975.

12.

Mansfield, Edwin. "Speed of Response of Firms to New Techniques ." Quarterly Journal of Economics 77 (1963): 290-311.

13.

March, James G. , and Simon, Herbert. Organizations. New York: John Wiley , 1958.

14.

Mezirow, Jack ; Darkenwald, Gordon G. ; and Knox, Alan. Last Gamble on Education: Dynamics of Adult Basic Education. Washington: Adult Education Association of the U.S.A ., 1975.

15.

Mezirow, Jack , and Irish, Gladys. Priorities for Experimentation and Development in Adult Basic Education. New York: Center for Adult Education, Columbia University , 1974.

16.

Miles, Matthew , ed. Innovation in Education. New York: Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1964 .

17.

Mort, Paul R. , and Cornell, Francis G. Adaptability of Public School Systems . New York: Bureau of Publications, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1945.

18.

Rogers, Everett M. , and Shoemaker, Floyd M. Communication of Innovations. New York: Free Press, 1971.

19.

Vollmer, Howard M. , and Mills, Donald L. , eds. Professionalization . Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall , 1966.