Date of Award

8-1984

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Lawrence Schlack

Second Advisor

Dr. David Cowden

Third Advisor

Dr. Dale Brethower

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: (1) What is the relationship between demographic factors; namely, age, gender, educational background, experience, social status, marital status, siblings, career path, professional memberships and publications and leader behavior (measured on two dimensions: Initiating Structure and Consideration)? (2) Can one predict leader effectiveness of department chairpersons prior to their selection? (3) To what extent is there congruence between self-ratings of chairpersons and ratings of their observers? (4) How are chairpersons selected in some public colleges in Michigan?

The research population consisted of 18 chairpersons and 108 randomly selected faculty members from four universities in Michigan. Of the questionnaires distributed, 93% were returned. Two instruments, which were adopted and developed by the researcher, were used to gather data: the Demographic Questionnaire (DQ) and the Leadership Behavior Questionnaire (LBQ).

Using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, the investigator found no significant relationship between age and leader behavior. The same was true of gender, educational background, marital status, social status, career path, professional memberships and publications. However, a significant positive relationship existed between leadership experience and leader behavior. It was also apparent that those from small families and those who are first born become leaders. There is some indication that those who come from smaller family units may become better leaders, in terms of accomplishing organizational goals.

Using the t test, the investigator found a congruence between chairpersons' ratings ad ratings of the faculty members of "task orientation." There was no congruence on "Consideration."

Using the stepwise regression analysis, the investigator found that leadership experience, siblings and publications were predictive of leader performance.

The study that most department chairpersons were selected by fellow faculty members and approved by the dean.

In some instances, the data supported previous research; in other instances, they did not. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for future research were given.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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