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A Study Of Gross' Theory On Implementing Organizational Innovations: The Case Of Bilingual Education

Author

Roger Tom, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1981

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Roger L. Reimer

First Committee Member

Fred Muskal

Second Committee Member

Augustine Garcia

Third Committee Member

Alan Mikels

Fourth Committee Member

James Chuck

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to test, modify and refine the theory developed by Gross and his associates on implementing organizational innovations by applying it to the attempt to implement a bilingual education project.

Procedures. Criteria were established for the selection of the school site. Once the site was selected, the data were collected through classroom observations, staff interviews, questionnaires, and available school documents. The data were analyzed with regard to their fit or lack of fit with elements of Gross' theory. Factors not accounted for in the theory were identified.

Findings. The findings of the study substantially supported Gross' theory on implementing organizational innovations, viz., that the extent to which an innovation is implemented depends on the degree to which members understand the innovation, members are capable of exhibiting the appropriate behaviors to implement it, members are committed to implementing it, organizational arrangements are compatible with it, and needed materials and resources are available. However, several factors were uncovered which were not accounted for in Gross' theory, viz., that some innovations are not satisfactorily implemented because they are not fully developed nor definable, that management may not be committed to implementing an innovation, and that management may not have full control over the conditions affecting the implementation process. Based on these findings, Gross' theory was expanded to include the following hypothesis: that the extent to which an innovation is implemented depends on the degree to which the innovation is developed and definable, management is committed to implementing the innovation, and management has control over the conditions affecting the implementation process.

Recommendations. Verification studies are needed to determine the limitations and generality of the expanded theorv. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between the extent of the implementation of an innovation and the type of innovation being implemented, management's commitment to implementing the innovation, and management's control over the conditions affecting the implementation process.

Pages

150

Recommended Citation

Tom, Roger. (1981). A Study Of Gross' Theory On Implementing Organizational Innovations: The Case Of Bilingual Education. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3162