The role of interest groups in educational decision making : a case study

LeMoine, Beverley Anne (1984) The role of interest groups in educational decision making : a case study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of interest groups in educational decision making. The case study approach was used by the researcher and focused a specific school board's decision to close a neighborhood school. -- Data were collected by means of a semi-structured interview. Questions used during the interview were adapted from an instrument used by Presthus in studying elites in the policy-making process. In this case study the population comprised three groups-legislative group, senior officials, and the group impacted upon by the closure decision. -- The research found that the interest groups had little influence on the school board's decision to close the school. It did determine that 87.5% of respondents recognized the involvement of interest groups as a necessary and useful one in the decisional process. -- As a result of these findings, it is recommended that administrators facilitate interest group participation in decision making. It is also recommended that specific policy, regulations and procedures be developed to deal with school closure. -- To complement the literature on interest groups further research is recommended on informal versus formal groups, their communication patterns and channels of access. As well, a study of leadership in educational interest groups should provide valuable information.

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