The authors hold the position that theory and practice in educational administration are virtually inseparable. This book is written for both active principals and superintendents, on one hand, and university professors and their graduate students on the other hand. The interplay between theory and practice is found throughout the book. A typical chapter begins with an exerpt describing the experience and ideas of a practicing educational administrator, followed by a practice to theory trasition; then comes a substantive consideration of organizational theory (with references back to the adminstratior who opened the chapter); it finishes with a theory to practice conclusion.