HOLDING ON TO SUCCESS - A CASE-STUDY IN MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE REFORM

This article analyzes the changes experienced by a mental health care organization in response to environmental threats and fluctuating expe ctations. On a general, more theoretical level, the article demonstrat es how processes of environmental selection as well as organizational adaptation shape organizational forms. On a concrete, applied level, t hose administrative practices are articulated that can help ensure tha t reform efforts are successful. Administrators also must be aware of the inertial forces operating upon stable organizational forms and wor k to ensure that the organization remains vital and open to change.