A comparative analysis of college and university governance and the organizational features that affect decision-making and professional practice is presented. Based on information from hundreds of campuses and thousands of campus administrators and faculty, and on institutional case studies, the book offers information about participation in and attitudes toward academic governance. A summary of 23 major conclusions is provided including that there are major differences between academic institutions and other kinds of organizations; that there is less bureaucracy and regulation in large, more prestigious schools; that about 66 percent of all faculty were highly satisfied with their working conditions; and that women are distributed very differently than men in the higher education system. The conclusions are organized around eight chapters that focus on the following: (1) organizational characteristics of colleges and universities; (2) diversity in the academic system; (3) patterns of management and governance; (4) bureaucracy and autonomy in academic work; (5) institutional climates and faculty morale; (6) impact of bargaining on campus management; (7) women faculty in higher education; and (8) current trends and future projections. A final section examines the historical developments in higher education from 1936 to 1970. (PHR)