Decades of research and writings demonstrate that culture affects an organization's learning, effectiveness, and employee satisfaction. But, what role does culture play in this new wave of institutional assessment? There is such great variety in the paths of assessment available, and so many assert great success. How can you find the path that is best for your institution? A successful plan begins with understanding your organizational culture. Consider the following:
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Teaching vs. Research
What is the primary mission of your institution?
How might individuals from each school of thought approach institutional assessment? |
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Autonomy vs. Coordination
How accustomed are your departments to working together?
How much resistance might you expect to the perception of giving up ground?
In what ways can duplication of efforts across the institution be avoided?
What value is placed on individual or academic freedoms?
Should the assessment plan be the same for all departments? |
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Details vs. Big Picture
Do conversations about improvement begin with academic principles and campus-wide goals?
Or, do these conversations begin with course level objectives? |
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Numerical vs. Broader Context
Are highly comparable, hard data numbers valued most?
Or, is contextual interpretation and a softer style a better fit? |
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Wide-span Improvements vs. Targeted Improvements
Is it important to implement as many suggested improvements as possible?
Or, is it important to target only a select few of suggested improvements in areas that are of greatest interest to constituent groups?
How much time is available to develop and implement improvements? |
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Accreditation vs. Continuous Improvement
Is the motivation for institutional assessment a pragmatic, accreditation approach?
Or, is the motivation a more idealistic, continuous improvement approach? |
Of course, the reality is that no culture is totally one-sided, and cultures will contain individuals who fall all over the spectrum. As a result, there are no easy answers. What is known is that not taking characteristics of organizational culture into consideration can lead to mismatches and bumpy transitions. For smoother, more successful institutional assessment endeavors, take the time to consider and incorporate your organizational culture.  Charles F. Yokomoto, Ph.D., is a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Director of Assessment at Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He can be reached at yokomoto@iupui.edu.
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