A survey of department chairs at colleges and universities investigated the administrators' perceptions of the importance of 26 administrative duties. Results reveal patterns in perceived importance of functions and perceptions of effectiveness in achieving them. Factors of hiring, discipline, gender, or orientation (manager, leader, developer,…

This reprinted 1971 article reports on analysis of a 1968 survey of 221 research administrators in terms of organizational affiliation, duties and responsibilities, titles, and educational background. The paper argues that administration is like the doughnut hole, but research is the doughnut, and points out that research as an activity needs to…

Although college administrators at every level experience some role conflict or ambiguity while acclimating to new jobs, if the dissonance is unresolved, it can lead to lower job satisfaction and self-confidence, higher tension and psychological strain, and greater feelings of futility and anxiety. Strategies for resolution are individual but have…

The multiple and demanding roles of the college president are examined, particularly as sources of personal and professional stress. It is concluded that the importance of the president's job in the current world context, and the positive impact the administrator can have, justify taking on those pressures and challenges. (MSE)

The paper examines the joint interactive process of top-level administrative leadership teams of colleges or universities, with emphasis on the team's collective thinking. It focuses on how individual team members, who report directly to the president, make sense of their own and each other's activities on the team (for example, by constructing…

The chief executive officers of a private school, a college, and a university offer their perceptions of the school public relations officer's role. Some elements include management of media issues, creativity in communicating the institution's mission and values, and ability to "package" stories in a way that captures attention and support. (MSE)

The author of a survey of 254 college public relations officers (HE 531 785) describes briefly the underlying definitions, design, and results of the study, and makes comparisons between this and an earlier study of college presidents. Discussion of methodology focuses on respondent characteristics and consistency of definition. (MSE)

This report presents the viewpoints and arguments made during a meeting of higher education administrators who were assembled to discuss how college unions and student activities contribute to a sense of community on campus. The report compares how the union and activities profession views itself with how others perceive it, as well as relating…

Although the job of a professional school dean is complex and demanding and the skills it requires are varied, it is important for the dean to acknowledge the limitations of both the job and the individual in it. Only time tells whether innovations, programs, customs, and direction created and nurtured by the dean reflect true leadership by…

A survey of 254 college public relations (PR) officers that focused on their relationships with their presidents is reported, and results are compared with an earlier survey of presidents. Differences in the two groups' perceptions of the PR officer's role in policy formation, lines of authority, and title are highlighted. (MSE)

A study investigated the relationship of certain teacher characteristics (gender, teaching experience) and current work situation (K-6, secondary, or administrative) on perceptions of what teaching involves, actions taken during a work-to-rule campaign, and attitudes toward work-to-rule. Results are discussed in terms of the social and…

Classic problems between college fund raising and public relations professionals include misunderstanding of roles, unrealistic expectations, differing goals and perspectives, and inequity of administrative support. Cooperation can be fostered through communication about goals, shared objectives, reduced isolation, teamwork, open communication,…

Qualitative-interpretive research methods were used to examine the board-president relationship in three British Columbia (Canada) community colleges. Five major reasons for which the relationship is important emerged: board and administrator influence in both the campus and external communities; value compatibility; self-images; and reflection of…

This document reports on a study of the implementation of new teacher evaluation procedures as part of a consultant-designed teacher incentive plan in three elementary schols. The study focused on the impact of this effort on the role-related interests (job satisfactions and needs) of teachers and administrators. Teachers' role-related interests…

Two higher education professionals discuss cultural issues that separate librarians and information technology professionals, and inhibit enlightened leadership as their changing roles cause professional convergence. Guiding principles for the information professional are outlined: developing oneself and a new generation of leadership; recognizing…