Content Analysis of Research on Department Chairs: Has the Knowledge Base Changed With the Role?

• In Event: 25.067 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 25.067-10 - Leadership as Faculty Development and Support

Abstract

Sweeping changes in the structures and functions of higher and postsecondary education have occurred in the past 10 years. Scholars have estimated that department chairs make more than 80% of departmental academic decisions that impact a wide array of stakeholders. This content analysis study synthesized relevant empirical research published between 1990-2016 (N=308) to investigate the knowledge base on department chair/head roles. Findings included a wide range of academic disciplines, research methodologies, and reporting styles, however, there was little uniformity in how findings were presented and which standards of verification were used. Overall, a small proportion of publications directly addressed department chairs, and findings clustered into three groups: leadership characteristics, professional characteristics and preparation, and institutional types.

Authors

• Jim Vander Putten, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Amanda L. Nolen, University of Arkansas at Little Rock