A Research Design for Observing Organizational Transformations in Universities: With a Focus on Abolishment of Research Centers

In this research, an index for observing organizational change in universities is proposed based on an investigation which the writer conducted, then some results of the investigation described. The investigation focuses on research centers (organized research units), which are especially increasing in Japan. The results suggest that there is a relationship between the style of governance of the university and the fate of research centers subsequent to dissolution.