Identification of linking and boundary spanning activities of continuing education program developers in public community colleges in Texas

Abstract

Continuing education (CE) departments operate within, yet at the periphery of, academic institutions. Their survival is dependent upon identifying and responding to environmental changes, linking with client groups that wish to use their services, and acquiring resources necessary to offer programs. Program developers bear the brunt of these activities and must cross boundaries of their own organization as well as boundaries of other organizations. This study attempted to identify the internal and external linkages that CE program developers form and to determine whether boundary spanning activities were performed. Sixteen program developers in nine public community colleges were interviewed. These persons held administrative positions as well as staff positions. Data from the interviews were analyzed to determine categories and functions of linkages, role of CE image and collaboration in linking, and skills and traits necessary for successful linking. The activities of CE program developers were evaluated to determine if they fit into recognized categories of boundary spanning activity. Findings indicate that formal internal linkages followed organizational structure. Informal internal linkages were achieved through serving on college committees or advisory boards. Formal external linkages parallelled the specialty area of the CE program developer. These linkages were established by cold calls to organizations or through cosponsorship of a program. Informal external linkages resulted from previous position, involvement with civic or professional groups, participation in community leadership programs, or the respondents' personal networks. External linkages were identified as primary sources of program ideas, faculty, and resources. Skills or traits necessary for success in linking included communication skills, organizational skills, flexibility, and a people-oriented approach. Linkage data suggest that CE program developers did not use a singe, identifiable system to form linkages. The external linkages were a richer source of program ideas, faculty, and resources than were internal ones. Conclusions concerning enabling, functional, normative, and diffuse linkages were made. Respondent data showed that CE program developers engaged in activities related to information transfer, representation, and acquisition of resources. These areas are recognized activities of persons in a boundary spanning position. Data suggest that CE program developers occupy a boundary spanning position in the organization.