PROBLEM OF DECLINING ENROLLMENT IN SCHOOLS OF NURSING: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS.
Contributors: Boston College.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 238
Subjects: Education, Administration.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: A qualitative case analysis of administrative strategies to deal with the problem of declining enrollment was conducted in four major baccalaureate nursing programs in the New England area. Four schools were chosen for their differing characteristics on two variables: size and control. Data related to educational change were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with program administrators, a pre-tested faculty questionnaire, and a review of organization documents.

As expected, the characteristics of a college such as type of control, mission, size, tuition, and location were found to have a definite effect on the strategy decisions which were made. Although all the nursing programs experienced some decline in applicants, no strong sense of urgency was evident. All four schools focused on maintaining standards, using faculty in recruitment efforts, flexible scheduling to accommodate Registered Nurses, development of graduate programs, high school visits, and encouragement of doctorates for faculty. Private colleges emphasized personal atmosphere, while public colleges used supportive services to assist potential applicants. Large colleges initiated Honors Programs to increase nursing program visibility, while the smaller colleges, both located in major cities, stressed effort to recruit minorities.

Leadership style was found to have a major impact on nursing faculty in terms of perceived involvement and influence in decision-making. Four distinct leadership styles were identified as Manager, Facilitator, Enabler, and Communicator. Faculty under the Manager strategy indicated the lowest perception of involvement and influence, and the least congruence between faculty goals and organization demands. Under the Communicator style, little conflict was noted by faculty, and perceived involvement, influence and congruence were higher. The Enabler strategy was most effective in promoting ownership of decision-making. Faculty who believe that they have ownership of decisions have a stake in seeing that they are successfully implemented.

Rather than centralizing authority, as administrators frequently do during periods of decline, it would seem more beneficial for nursing administrators to decentralize authority and empower faculty with ownership of decisions regarding declining enrollment.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-01, Section: A, page: 0048.

Thesis (PH.D.)--BOSTON COLLEGE, 1990.

School code: 0016.