NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1407999
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-080X
EISSN: EISSN-1469-9508
On the Edge of Chaos: How the Deans at One Canadian University Have Managed to Lead in the Face of the Pandemic and Other Sources of Uncertainty and Complexity
David Mandzuk
Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, v46 n1 p18-31 2024
There is a growing body of literature on the roles that deans play in challenging times; however, what is often missing are deans' own voices as they reflect on their experiences trying to manage the dilemmas and crises inherent in their work. This is particularly true of the past few years when deans have managed unprecedented levels of complexity and uncertainty. Using complexity theory as a conceptual framework and case study methodology, the author shines a light on the lives of deans at a large Canadian university as they grappled with issues related to the pandemic and others such as a protracted strike by academic staff. The findings suggest that complexity theory can serve as a useful theoretical lens for better understanding issues such as structural tensions, resistance and non-compliance, the multiple roles of deans, toxic faculty cultures, and trust and mistrust in higher education.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A