"It is well known that every organization has its own distinct culture, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of an understanding of organizational culture as a tool for institutional effectiveness. But those who manage and lead academic organizations will fail in their efforts unless they recognize that there are in fact not one but four distinct cultures coexisting in the academy." "In this book, based on more than twenty years of research, William H. Bergquist presents a comprehensive analysis of the four distinct cultures in higher education--collegial, managerial, developmental, and negotiating--to show how the image, traditions, and character of institutions are shaped by the four cultures interacting within them. The author details how these cultures interrelate and how they influence the individuals--administrators, faculty, staff, and students--who work and live within the institution. And he shows how an understanding of the four cultures can improve leadership, communication, interpersonal relations, and decision making in an academic organization." "Drawing on numerous case studies, as well as on his own work with more than three thousand faculty members and four hundred collegiate institutions, Bergquist reveals the profound ways--both beneficial and adverse--in which the cultures affect both individuals and institutions and explains how all types of collegiate institutions are amenable to the four cultures. He illustrates how each culture promotes different assumptions about and strategies for organizational improvement. And he shows how effective strategies for change, if they are to succeed, must take all four cultures into account." "The Four Cultures of the Academy offers strategies that can help higher education administrators and faculty to understand and improve programs and policies, strengthen relationships with others in the institution, and provide more effective institutional leadership."--Jacket.