Abstract
Role orientation theory asserts that identifiable elements within the world view used by key decision makers to define the situations which confront them, control their inclination to see decision issues in a particular way, and map courses of action comparable with these perceptions. Role orientation can be placed in three major dimensions: (1) reference group, (2) decision style, and (3) authority groups. This descriptive field investigation asked what resources are utilized by selected California legislators, within the three orientational dimensions and decision mechanisms, as they made decisions on two educational issues. Methodology. Using a rank ordering technique, California legislators from four legislative committees were surveyed regarding their perception of the use of resources within twelve sub-scales identified under each of the four major dimensions. Two forms of the questionnaire were developed for collecting data. One questionnaire addressed bilingual education (AB 507), while the other questionnaire addressed school finance (AB 8). Both issues were signed into law during the 1979-80 legislative session. Findings. This study concluded that California legislators, regardless of issue, viewed expertise and values as valuable resources (authority dimension). The Assembly Education Committee turned to outside reference groups while, with one exception, the other committees utilized resources found within the legislature. The majority of the committees chose an analytical decision style and also identified with an inside analysis and bargaining mechanisms. Implication. The findings of this study were, for the most part, congruent with previous research on legislative behavior. The one inconstant finding was that the results of this study did not find major differences in the committees nor did the two issues vary to any great degree. The difference between the research studies and the findings of this study is perhaps explained by the fact that both issues addressed were educational in nature. The findings add to the knowledge of the types of resources utilized by selected California legislators. The study pointed out the need for increased involvement and understanding of the legislative process by educational leaders.