Faculty as Gatekeepers: Non‐academic Staff Participation in University Governance

Faculty expectations for non‐academic staff participation in systems of shared authority (governance) define the parameters of legitimate interests. Delineates and analyses role sender (faculty) views of non‐academic staff participation in organizational governance. Studies four issue areas (academic affairs, financial and personnel affairs, institutional affairs, and student affairs). There was considerable support for non‐academic staff participation in governance. Results suggest limited roles in governance for non‐academic employees in complex organizations where faculty are primary role senders, and no support for the significant redistribution of legitimate faculty rights and authorities.