An examination of information centers in the organizational structures of a university

• Main Author: Atchison, Lloyd Victor
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1970
• Subjects: University of the Pacific; Communication; Information theory
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/1722; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2721&context=uop_etds

The purpose of this study is to examine the role and locations of “magnetic centers” which evolve, or are established , form the flow of information and the lines of authority on a university campus. It is believed that the certain individuals are centers of information, “magnetic centers,” and they draw messages from other individuals at all levels in the communications network of the structure of structures of an institution. By doing this they exert influence through a filtering process of the flow of information they receive and disseminate. These magnetic connectors may or may not be recognized by other individuals within the organization. Based on the assumption that there are certain individuals who could be classified as magnetic centers the following questions were considered: (1) Are there magnetic centers in the structure or structures of a university?; (2) Are these individuals magnetic centers established because of their position or because of other characteristics held in common?; (3) Are the centers permanent in the structure? If there is more than one structure, which structure appears to be more permanent?; (4) Which structure dominates in the number of recognized magnetic centers?; (5) Do the recognized magnetic centers have common procedures for getting information?; (6) Are there magnetic centers which are not recognized by other individuals in the structure or structures? Are there ascertainable reasons for their non-recognition?