Content area
Abstract
Major research studies demonstrating the impact of computers on organizational structure have been conducted in business and industry. However, no comprehensive study has determined the impact of microcomputer utilization on the organizational structure of higher education institutions.
The major purpose of this study was to assess the impact of microcomputer utilization on three organizational structure components--personnel, office operations, and office systems--in higher education student service units. The study measured microcomputer utilization in hours per week of use and, from the survey questionnaire written and tested by the author, derived scores for the personnel, office operations, and office systems variables. Controlling factors in the data analysis were student service unit and institution type.
A secondary purpose of this study was to document the types of microcomputer applications in higher education student service units. Responding units reported 16 different applications and provided accompanying data on the average time spent per application.
Chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) from 300 higher education institutions were asked to identify unit directors who used microcomputers. CSAOs from 104 institutions identified 410 users to complete the survey.
Descriptive statistics are used in reporting information on the individual microcomputer applications. Multiple-regression analysis measured the strength of the relationships between microcomputer utilization, student service type, institution category, and personnel, office operations, and office systems.
The survey showed that wordprocessing and miscellaneous database management uses were the most frequently used microcomputer applications. No significant relationships were found between microcomputer utilization and a change in personnel hours, office operations, and office systems.
