Question

What are the principal integrating mechanisms used in the organization? Do they provide sufficient coordination among individuals and functions?

How might they be improved?

Answer 1

Faculty and departmental meetings are held in which everyone meets to discuss relevant issues and to update one another on the status of their teaching and/or research activities. Different committees are also formed in which representatives of each division meet to address problems or issues that concern everyone. These committees serve as task forces within the academic system. These tools are used so that divisions can increase communication and coordination within themselves, and their departments.

The existing integrating mechanisms may not be providing sufficient coordination between people and functions. These mechanisms could be improved by having cross-departmental meetings. In today’s universities, many students are requesting inter-departmental learning. The boundaries between fields are becoming blurred, and students want to be able to take classes from and specialize in many different fields in order to be successful in their careers. Universities that continue to operate as if each department exists within a vacuum will find that students will look elsewhere for education that takes more of an integrative approach. The environment is changing in that students need to know more and have more diversified experiences.

More direct contact with faculty from different divisions, and more cross-functional or cross-departmental teams or committees could promote communication and integration within the academic departments. In addition, liaisons from the “real-world” could be established in order to connect the academic setting with the realities of the working environment. Faculty could meet with these liaisons to establish internships and job opportunities.