Dynastic Cycle: A Resource Allocation Theme for Addressing Dissent in Universities

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Social Science and Policy Studies Working Papers No. 2014-006

59 Pages Posted: 13 Jul 2014

See all articles by Raafat Zaini

Raafat Zaini

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)-Department of Social Science & Policy Studies

Khalid Saeed

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Michael Elmes

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - Department of Management

Oleg V. Pavlov

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - Department of Social Science & Policy Studies

Date Written: March 18, 2014

Abstract

This paper utilizes the dynastic cycle framework proposed in (K. Saeed & Pavlov, 2008) to explain the role of dissent in universities. By combining the dissent expression framework (Kassing, 2011) and the dynastic cycle structure, we construct a generic model for dissent in organizations. The work is rooted in the literature of organizational communication, research and development, and higher education management. Using system dynamics methodology, we illustrate the dynamic interaction of composition, climate, and performance to simulate and explain how organizations evolve with regard to dissent. This model provides a platform for experimentation with different policy scenarios focusing on growth and productivity. The research suggests that as universities attempt to improve their performance through growth, despite initial short-term performance improvements, they are likely to devolve into low performance institutions with degraded management responsiveness and organizational productivity. Regardless of having high dissent tolerance, they could become dominated by high control and silence climates. When organizations invest in cultivating a dissent aware climate, and strive to improve their dissent processing capability, we suggest that the university and its members will be more productive and engaged.

Keywords: organizational behavior, organizational communication, voice, silence, collegial systems, higher education management, research and development, system dynamics, computer simulation, governance.

Suggested Citation

Zaini, Raafat and Saeed, Khalid and Elmes, Michael and Pavlov, Oleg V., Dynastic Cycle: A Resource Allocation Theme for Addressing Dissent in Universities (March 18, 2014). Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Social Science and Policy Studies Working Papers No. 2014-006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2465025 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2465025

Raafat Zaini (Contact Author)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)-Department of Social Science & Policy Studies ( email )

100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
United States

Khalid Saeed

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) ( email )

100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
United States

Michael Elmes

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - Department of Management ( email )

Worcester, MA 01609-2280
United States
+1 508 831-5182 (Phone)

Oleg V. Pavlov

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - Department of Social Science & Policy Studies ( email )

100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.olegpavlov.org

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