Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2004
Abstract
Using a case methodology this study focuses on how two state colleges responded to fiscal stress in the decade of the 1990's, a period of national recession and political change for public higher education. Informed by archival information, fiscal data and interviews with campus decision makers, this work tells the story of how these two campuses addressed fiscal decline. The recollections and perceptions of those who played a role in crafting and implementing response to change are analyzed as efficiency and effectiveness strategies that comprised the unique approach taken by each college. "Shaw College" and "Dalton College" were deliberately chosen because of their similarity (mission, size, area of the state, consistency of leadership). And while the institutions described similar strategies to address the fiscal crisis, there were differences in outcomes. Such divergence was confirmed and illustrated using two different approaches. Cameron and Smart's (1998) "Dirty Dozen," focused on effectiveness and variables of dysfunction. Paul Salipante's (1992) work on traditionality/rationality concentrated on the linking behavioral and rational modes to address change. This coupling contributes to the case for a linkage between mission adherence and effectiveness. The case studies did provide evidence of colleges going beyond efficiency measures In addressing fiscal crisis demonstrated that revenue decline does not necessarily elicit panic responses nor does it send the signal that longer-term goals need to be forsaken. Finally, the case studies suggest that in managing in crisis/change, the coupling of strategies focused on both the core mission and traditions of higher education and strong decision-making and the rational analysis of the external environment for the college contributes to the longer term success and survival of colleges and universities.
Keywords
fiscal issues
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Brouwer, Penelope Wheeler Stohn, "A Tale of Two Colleges: The Fiscal Crisis of the 1990's Strategies For Managing In Uncertainty" (2004). Student Scholarship. 65.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/65