Attitudes of Community College Administrators Toward Management-By-Objectives

Administrators from 32 public two-year community colleges were surveyed to reveal the extent to which Management by Objectives (MBO) programs affected organizational conditions; 200 questionnaires (71%) were returned. Approximately 65% of the administrators indicated that the MBO system did not change the amount of formal contact between superior and subordinate, though the administrators were generally pleased with the amount of change. In response to whether superiors encouraged suggestions during joint goal-setting meetings, 83% indicated that suggestions were encouraged. A slight majority perceived an increase in the amount of job responsibility following joint goal-setting meetings with their superiors. Similarly, 57% perceived an increased role in decisions within the administrative unit. Though a slight majority (54%) indicated that MBO had contributed positively to communication within administrative units, negative effects on administrative communication were identified in relation to communications across division lines. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) MBO programs can increase formal contacts between superior and subordinate; (2) they encourage suggestions from subordinates and are likely to result in a higher percentage of suggestions being accepted by superiors; and (3) MBO can clarify the responsibility of the administrator and increase feelings of taking a greater part in decision making. (MB)