Theories concerning the organizational dynamics underlying the dispersion of institutional research activities within colleges are proposed. Two theoretical arguments concern whether or not a centralized, monopolistic institutional research office will be found on a given campus: the informational legitimacy argument and the limited attention…

In many institutions, increasing numbers of offices are becoming involved in institutional research activity. A theoretical perspective, derived from theories of power, information, and change in organizations, is proposed for better understanding this phenomenon. (Author/MLW)

This article examines the emergence of innovative policies in public postsecondary education systems and suggests that state postsecondary governance structures have influences on innovation that are independent of other social, educational, and economic factors. Policy implications are discussed. (SLD)