Faculty as Gatekeepers: Non-academic Staff Participation in University Governance

Faculty expectations for non-academic staff participation in systems of shared authority (governance) define the parameters of legitimate interests. Delineates and analyses role sender (faculty) views of non-academic staff participation in organizational governance. Studies four issue areas (academic affairs, financial and personnel affairs, institutional affairs, and student affairs). There was considerable support for non-academic staff participation in governance. Results suggest limited roles in governance for non-academic employees in complex organizations where faculty are primary role senders, and no support for the significant redistribution of legitimate faculty rights and authorities.