Conceptualizing Change in the Institutional Diversity of U.S. Colleges and Universities.

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  • Author(s): Morphew, Christopher C.
  • Source:
    Journal of Higher Education. May/Jun2009, Vol. 80 Issue 3, p243-269. 27p. 9 Charts.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      DIVERSITY in education; INSTITUTIONAL theory (Sociology); HIGHER education; UNIVERSITIES & colleges; ORGANIZATIONAL behavior; EDUCATIONAL change; PREVENTION
    • Subject Terms:
      UNITED States
    • Abstract:
      The article discusses research regarding the importance of institutional diversity in colleges in the U.S. higher education system. The author discusses how institutional diversity prevents brain drain in states, prevents indoctrination of youth and increases the cost effectiveness of higher education. A study by researcher Robert Birnbaum used population ecology to reveal decreases in U.S. institutional diversity over time, possibly due to environmental factors. The author describes a study utilizing institutional theory to investigate changes in institutional diversity and organizational behavior of colleges in the U.S. after 1972. He comments on how academic drift, student enrollment and growth of for-profit colleges can affect institutional diversity.