Innovation and Communication with the Environment: A Case Study

Abstract

The role of the communication process in the initiation of new programmes in a technical institute in a mid‐western state of the U.S.A. was examined. Communication linkages with the local labour market were well developed, with ample evidence both of the growth of specialized channels and of their continued usage. Advisory committees were the most important institutions in initiating new programmes and heads of departments within the Institute were the most frequently used contact points between the organization and its environment. The role of the State Board was largely a facilitating one and the State Employment Service played only a minor part. Careful checks were made of the demand side of the labour market before new programmes were started but not a great deal of attention was given to the supply side, largely due to difficulties in estimation. Certain aspects of organization theory served a useful purpose in developing insights into the communication processes examined in this study.

Citation

DUFTY, N.F. (1969), "Innovation and Communication with the Environment: A Case Study", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 145-159. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb009639