The University--Some Differences from Other Organizations.

This report discusses the differences between universities and business institutions and why they are different in handling their affairs. The premise of the report is that public universities must become more transparent if they are to receive adequate support from interested parties. Five main areas are discussed in a comparative assessment between these types of organizations. The first asks why universities rarely set specific goals toward which progress can be measured. The second concerns the problems and limited progress universities have made in measuring output and enhancing efficiency in teaching and research. Third is the role of competition in improving research and graduate teaching compared with the relatively weak competitive forces leading to improved undergraduate programs. The fourth area examines the reasons for complex committee structures, widely dispersed authority, and requirements for effective leadership. Finally, the paper examines some of the much-criticized features of academic appointments such as tenure, sabbaticals, irregular hours, and perceived high level of freedom. Contains 12 references. (GLR)