A Comparative Analysis of the Major Research Administrative Organizations

• Published in: SRA journal Vol. 23; no. 4; p. 7
• Main Author: Beasley, Kenneth L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Society of Research Administrators 01.04.1992
• Subjects: Administration; Clubs; Committees; Comparative analysis; Conferences (Gatherings); Correlation; Employment; Formal organization; Fund raising; Geographic Distribution; Government (Administrative Body); Labor; Laboratories; Meetings; Nonprofit organizations; Office Occupations; Organic Chemistry; R&D; Research & development; Research Administration; Research and Development; Research centers; Research Directors; Scientific Research; Scientists; Society; Universities; United States > US
• ISSN: 1062-8142

There are 3 voluntary professional associations for research administrators: 1. the National Conference on the Administration of Research (NCAR), 2. the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), and 3. the Society of Research Administrators (SRA). Each provides a means for exchanging information as they seek to improve research administration. They differ somewhat in that: 1. NCAR seems to stress the exchange of ideas so as to improve research management, 2. NCURA places more emphasis on policy and procedure formation and communication in Washington, DC, and 3. SRA appears to be seeking identity and places more emphasis on the professional development of research administration. The real difference in each organization is the difference in the types of members served. NCAR contains the top-level research administrators, NCURA contains research administrators from universities and colleges, and SRA is a heterogeneous group. The conditions of funding are changing and they will influence research administrators and their associations.