Program Initiation in Technical Institutes

The role of the communication process in the initiation of new programs in a technical institute in a middle western state is examined in this study. Communications linkages between the Institute and the local labor market were well developed, and there was ample evidence of the growth of specialized communications channels and their continued usage. Advisory committees were the most important institutions in initiating new Institute programs, and the heads of departments within the Institute were the most frequently used contact points between the organization and its environment. The State Board's role was largely facilitating, and the State Employment Service played only a minor part in program initiation. Careful checks were made of the demand side of the labor market before new programs were begun, but not a great deal of attention was given to the supply side, largely because of difficulties of estimation.