Educational organizations as loosely coupled systems

Abstract

In contrast to the prevailing image that elements in or- ganizations are coupled through dense, tight linkages, it is proposed that elements are often tied together frequently and loosely. Using educational organizations as a case in point, it is argued that the concept of loose coupling incorporates a surprising number of disparate observa- tions about organizations, suggests novel functions, creates stubborn problems for methodologists, and gen- erates intriguing questions for scholars. Sample studies of loose coupling are suggested and research priorities are posed to foster cumulative work with this concept.