Abstract
This paper argues that sociological theory provides a sound basis for analyzing the social organization and reorganization of the college or university and for guiding the activities of the college dean. Frame analysis theory, developed in the study of social movements, and the attendant concepts of frame shifts and frame disputes, are drawn on to facilitate understanding of the organizational change being experienced by many comprehensive universities today. Various university constituencies proffer sometimes competing frames that can be characterized as “old school” vs. “new school” or “theoretical” vs. “practical,” yet collective and at least moderately harmonious action is required to attend to the tasks at hand. More specifically, the processes of frame alignment detailing the way that the frames held by various individuals and groups link to larger frames, offer a valuable theoretical tool for a dean. The dean’s task is one of adjudicating frame disputes within the college, navigating frame shifts in the university and reframing the concerns of the college to both internal and external audiences. The author concludes that the use of frame analysis demonstrates that sociological theory can be a vital contributor to the leadership of colleges and universities and to leaders’ understanding of the changes occurring therein.
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Notes
I use the term “millennial university” to refer to modern American universities in the new millennium, especially comprehensive private universities that are being redefined as more research oriented, and more specifically, more oriented to practical research and teaching. Such a demand is fueled by industry and business, but also by a new generation of students, often referred to as the “millennial generation,” who are themselves oriented to what they view as relevant and useful content, as in, for example, their incorporation of internet technologies such as “Facebook.” Such a demand on the part of students is compelling and cannot be ignored by either the university administration or the professoriate. Such demands results in adjustment in the university itself, and make the use of the term “millennial university” appropriate.
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Lessor, R.G. Adjudicating Frame Shifts and Frame Disputes in the New Millennial University: The Role of the Dean. Am Soc 39, 114–129 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-008-9046-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-008-9046-x