The life cycle of organizations: a case study of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association Physical Education Special Interest Council

Shelley, Beverly V. (1990) The life cycle of organizations: a case study of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association Physical Education Special Interest Council. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study combines models and methods from history and administrative science, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data, to analyze the evolution of the Physical Education Special Interest Council (PESIC) of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association (NTA) from its inception in 1970 through to 1987. The statistical technique used to analyze the quantitative data was cluster analysis. This technique was employed to determine symmetry or asymmetry with Daniel Katz and Robert Kahn's (1966) stages of development for organizations. The following life cycle stages in PESICs development were analyzed and discussed: -- 1. The Embryonic Stage from 1969 to 1970 aimed at service for the organization. During that time there existed a concerned group of physical educators who felt the need to establish a formal organization to serve the profession. The organization was loosely knit, and had as a major emphasis the setting of goals and the provision of a forum for all physical education teachers to share ideas. -- 2. The Primary Stage from 1970 to 1975 aimed at developing a formal organization. The major emphasis was on adopting a constitution, outlining aims and objectives, obtaining funds, and forming an administrative structure. The Council initiated a policy of an annual workshop or conference and an Annual General Meeting. -- 3. The Stable Stage from 1976 to 1986 aimed at implementing administration of the organization. The main concerns were improving communication to physical educators and suggesting policy formation and implementation for the physical education curriculum in Newfoundland. There was a large increase in membership and regional councils during this period. -- 4. The Elaborate Stage in 1987 showed an increased emphasis on publicity and the initiation of planning and research to evaluate the current status of physical education and make recommendations for the future. The Council was concerned with educating the general public, school boards, government and other teachers, in the benefits of the discipline of physical education. -- The Sports Institute for Research/Change Agent Research (SIR/CAR) methodology (Moriarty & Duthie, 1974) was used to record the events of these eras. This research design consisted of three dimensions: -- 1. The organizational dimension which examines the task, structure and control of the organization. -- 2. The personal dimension which examines the administrators in terms of the situation, traits and decision making behavior. -- 3. The trends dimension which also considers management of change and conflict identification. -- The quantitative data was substantiated by content analysis of the minutes and records of the PESIC and qualitative data obtained through semi-directed, focused interviews with prominent leaders and members of the organization. -- Action-Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations are contained in the final chapter which recapitulates, evaluates the research approach and suggests further research. The study supports the Sports Institute Research/Change Agent Research (SIR/CAR) model and methodology as a viable instrument for analysis of a council such as the PESIC, and substantiates the theory of Katz and Kahn (1966), which suggests that organizations pass through identifiable stages or cycles.

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