A profile of organizational characteristics of colleges of dentistry

This study investigated the organizational characteristics of colleges of dentistry as perceived by their deans, associate deans, and department chairs. Likert's Profile of Organizational Characteristics is used to describe the administrative structures of the colleges on a continuum from exploitive/authoritative through benevolent/authoritative and consultative to participatory. In addition, administrators were asked to evaluate their colleges' effectiveness in adapting to an environment of change. The results indicate a relatively low level of participation in administration in contrast to a high desire for participation, and that administrators believe their colleges are only marginally effective in adapting to change.