After describing the nature, promise, and reality of school-based management, this document discusses delegation of authority to the school site and distribution of authority among site participants as critical issues in the implementation of school-based management and reviews the importance and benefits of shared decision making. Eight major barriers to changing traditional behavior identified in a 1989 survey of educational practitioners by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) are examined as follows: (1) fear of taking risks; (2) fear of losing power; (3) resistance to changing roles and responsibilities; (4) lack of trust; (5) fear of losing power; (6) inadequate or inappropriate resources; (7) lack of skills; and (8) lack of hierarchical-support. Last, recommendations regarding the transformation of authority in school sites and districts; the development of a systemwide culture supportive of norms of collegiality and collaboration; professional development; and commitment to shared decision making are provided. (17 references) (CLA)