The purpose of this paper is to examine the variables affecting the power relationships between an elementary principal, his superordinates, and his subordinates as they relate to the conversion of policy decisions into organizational practices. With the centralization of school districts, the increased pressure for community participation in…

Reviews the multiple-state case study literature, highlights some findings, discusses several methodological issues, and concludes with suggestions for possible research agendas. Urges students and researchers to be more actively critical of the assumptions and findings of these studies. (Author/IRT)