Role analysis study of chairpersons in academic departments offering accredited baccalaureate social work degree programs

• Main Author: Macy, Harry Joseph
• Other Authors: McElhinney, James H.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Social work education.; College department heads.; Universities and colleges > Administration.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/177919; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/720411

There is wide acknowledgment in higher education literature of the importance of the academic department in the administrative hierarchy of higher education institutions and of the leadership potential of the departmental chairperson to influence program quality.Two hundred and seventy chairpersons in departments that provide accredited baccalaureate social work programs were surveyed. This study (1) identified the structural characteristics of the institutions and the academic departments that house these accredited programs, and (2) identified demographic characteristics and the role difficulties, motivations, and professional development needs of faculty members serving as chairpersons.Completed two-part self-administered questionnaires were obtained from 158 (61%) practicing chairpersons; 74 (47%) employed in private institutions and 84 (53%) employed in public institutions.Most chairpersons viewed the position as a time-limited, challenging opportunity to influence the overall quality of their departmental programs. Less than a third of the respondents, however plan to seek another consecutive term in the position. Most chairpersons reported finding their work meaningful or rewarding. However, they also judged that position responsibilities were heavily dominated by the necessity to complete mandatory administrative tasks that were irrelevant to effective role performance. Respondents reported experiencing numerous role conflicts associated with excessive or incompatible role responsibilities, personnel conflicts, lack of position authority, and inadequate program resources.The majority of chairpersons viewed the position as one requiring specialized competencies different from those needed by regular faculty members. However, based on self-reports, data showed that most chairpersons learned to complete specific role tasks on their own or via informal means.Findings support the need to: (1) examine the effectiveness of traditional professional development offerings to chairpersons, (2) clarify position responsibilities, (3) strengthen the amount, type and quality of role support provided to chairpersons, and (4) enhance informal, self-directed opportunities for interest faculty members to acquire administrative experience prior to assuming the position. Findings also supported the need for formalized mentorship programs for new chairpersons supplemented by an increased use of collaborative training by experienced chairpersons. === Department of Educational Leadership