Perceived legitimacy of decision making and academic governance patterns in higher education: A comparative analysis

This report relates the findings of two parallel studies of campus governance in Pennsylvania institutions. Patterns of decision making were described at six institutions in one study and perceived legitimacy of governance on the part of faculty was assessed on the same campuses. The findings of the studies are related for the purpose of exploring effects of decision issue, institution, and type of institution upon each pattern as well as upon ways in which governance patterns and perceived legitimacy covary. The conclusions suggest modifications in theory and research strategies for future work on the dynamics of campus governance.The authors appreciate helpful comments offered by Professor Marvin Peterson on a draft of this paper.