Education Commons^™

Do Academic Supervisors Know What Their Employees Want From Work?, Emily Faulconer, John Griffith

Publications

This research has meaning to higher education learning institutions regarding faculty and staff motivation. Effectively motivating employees has captivated management theorists in search of higher morale and higher productivity. This study challenges the assumption by Hersey and Blanchard (1993) based on Lindahl’s (1949) study that supervisors do not know what their employees want from work.

Leader Developers: Perspectives Of Mentor Principals In An Administrator Preparation Program, Patricia Virella, Casey Cobb

Journal of Educational Supervision

Principal preparation programs use various components to develop candidates, including course work, core assessments, and field-based internships or practicums. The internship represents an exceptionally high leverage learning opportunity (Lochmiller, 2014). The success of the internship depends highly on the abilities of a mentor via informal instructional supervision. Mette (2020) explains that supervision has a potential transformational quality. This study explores mentorships in a university principal preparation program through the mentor’s perspective. We interviewed a sample of mentors nominated as effective by peer and program informants. We learned that mentors were deliberate in developing three specific skills -- metacognitive ability, developmental …

The Effect Administrators Have On Employee Morale Within The University Of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Sherry L. Beaty-Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between Arkansas County Extension County staff morale and their perceived relationship county staff had with their County Staff Chair. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) can utilize the results from this research to identify individuals who have the capacity to build high-quality relationships with staff members, thereby promoting higher levels of morale within the organization. Administrators can use this study to identify current or future leaders within the organization by identifying those who can promote high-quality relationships with county-level staff. Results from this study may also be used …

Understanding The Aspirations And Challenges Of Michigan’S Black School Superintendents: A Toolkit For Building Equity In The Superintendency, Kevin Simmons

Dissertations

Black superintendents are significantly underrepresented in our nation’s schools. Despite a slight increase in representation of female Black superintendents, minorities of all races continue to be underrepresented (Tienken & Domenech, 2020). In this study, I examined the experiences of Black superintendents in Michigan who currently hold superintendent roles, along with the obstacles they faced and their personal characteristics and associated factors that attributed to their resilience and longevity in their role as superintendent. Using a phenomenological qualitative study approach of personal and confidential interviews and survey questions of 12 Black superintendents, data was collected to formulate a toolkit for aspiring …

Higher Education Professional Involved In Or Aspiring To Careers In Strategic Enrollment Management: Competency Development And Career Pathways, Jodi Ward

Dissertations

Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) is an emergent and evolving field in higher education (HE). While the concept has often been researched as a system or process implemented by an institution of HE to optimize enrollment, this study examined the professionals that currently lead or aspire to lead those systems. The HE competencies areas that current SEM professionals are most engaged with, the activities they participate in to gain and cultivate competency development, as well as their educational backgrounds and career pathways was the focus of this study. Additionally, this study investigated the competency development opportunities available to individuals working in …

Examining Perceptions Of Good Leadership In Confucian Contexts: A Study Of South Korean University Faculty, Andrew Schenck

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Cultural values impact conceptions of good leadership, explaining why some Western-oriented leadership strategies appear to fail in Confucian contexts. To better understand how cultural values influence the process of leadership, the Vannsimpco Leadership survey was given to 291 Korean faculty members at a university in South Korea, along with 168 faculty members from an American university who served as a comparison group. Following the collection of 95 surveys (48 from Korean faculty and 47 from American faculty), factor analysis was used to evaluate respondents’ perceptions of leadership. Results suggested that Confucian values do indeed influence conceptions of leadership. As for …

Leadership Characteristics Of Senior Student Affairs Officers (Ssao): An Analysis Of Gender, Professional Preparation, And Experiences, Johnny A. Robinson, Ashley Tull, James C. Stoner

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This quantitative study sought to closely examine the leadership behaviors of Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAO) at four-year colleges and universities, which previous research had been limited. The researchers examined three forms of leadership (transformational, transactional, and laisse-fare) measured by the Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire while comparing SSAO demographic factors including gender, institutional type, educational level, experience and what (if any) relationships could be concluded. Surveys were sent to 3,361 individuals identified as Senior Student Affairs Officers, which yielded 494 responses. Some significant differences were found for study variables and other notable differences were consistent with what has been found previous …

Designation, Stagnation, And Representation: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Self-Perception Of Power Among Ncaa Division I Senior Woman Administrators, Tayler M. Onion

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite significant growth and advancement for women and girls participating in sports, we have not seen the same trend for women in leadership roles in athletics – even with the introduction of the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) designation. The SWA designation was implemented in 1989 to ensure that at least one woman would be involved with the leadership of athletic departments following the NCAA’s takeover of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) in 1981. Confusion and misperceptions have surrounded the role, and, as a result, impacted the women who serve in it. This study’s phenomenological design aimed to …

Creating And Sustaining Positive School Climate During Covid-19 Pandemic, Corinne Brion, Bilgen Kiral

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

The researchers used a qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of 10 principals in creating and sustaining a positive school climate during COVID-19. The researchers conducted interviews over Zoom from October to December in 2021. The principals have worked in two American states, one Midwestern state and one in the South region of the country. Findings indicated that although the principals knew about school climate, they did not have a complete understanding of the concept. In the present study, it was concluded that a positive school climate is created and sustained with specific leadership skills …

The Salvation Of The Africana Child: Via The Role Of The Black Woman In Educational Leadership, Tamara S. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Black Women principals have unique experiences that they have lived that influence the way they lead schools. Strong and committed leadership creates school environments where children can thrive.

This study illuminated the connectivity of race, class, and gender to the lived experiences of Black Women principals according to the Africana Womanism paradigm set forth by Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems (2020). The question my research sought to answer was: How do the lived experiences, as they relate to race, class, and gender, of Black Women principals impact the way they lead? The sub-question for the study was: How do the lived experiences …

The Leaderbuild Theory., Fabio Galli, Karl J. New

Journal of Research Initiatives

In the last two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational and academic activities have undergone numerous changes; the number of online educational activities, e-Learning, and blended learning have radically increased, and the need to train personnel quickly and with increasing specialist skills has increased. The inclusion of the ‘Leaderbuild’ and ‘Leaderfit’ concept thus becomes one of the factors useful to prepare professionals specialized in every field, ready to lead in every modern environment and need, with structured leadership.

Developing A K-12 School Leadership Plan, Marian E. Truehill

Journal of Research Initiatives

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop a K-12 School Leadership plan for public, private, and parochial educational institutions. The K-12 School Leadership plan will help principals, teachers, staff and students focus on how to accurately operate a successful school culture, climate, and improve academic performance at their educational institutions. I used a pseudonym JFK for the high school examined in this paper. Themes represented in this paper will include assessment of ineffective leadership style, assessment of school culture, climate and performance, school improvement areas, explanation of leadership style, most effective style to improve school performance, research-based leadership …

Educating And Advocating: A Professional Responsibility For School Leaders And School Counselors, Jessica Lane, Donna Augustine-Shaw, Melanie Scott

The Advocate

While educators are tasked with many competing professional responsibilities, it is necessary that the focus of advocacy for student well-being stay at the forefront. In particular, for school counselors and school leaders, advocating has never been more important. This article will highlight the role of advocacy found within the professional standards for school counselors and school leaders, and shine light on the need to advocate for social-emotional learning.

Chicana/Latina Secondary Administrators: Triumphs, Obstacles, And Discernment ¡Si Se Pudo!, Erika Tejeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The educational pipeline has historically been dismal in regards to Chicana/Latina high school completion and beyond. Navigating between two cultures, social and familial demands, and lack of social and political knowledge has been a challenge. According to the United States Census Bureau (2020) “The Hispanic or Latino population, which includes people of any race, was 62.1 million in 2020. The Hispanic or Latino population grew 23%, while the population that was not of Hispanic or Latino origin grew 4.3% since 2010.” With this being said, there has been an increase in the number of Latina/o’s graduating from high school and …

Social Role And Role Congruity Influences On Perceived Value Of Women’S Leadership At Southwestern Research Universities, Stephanie J. Jones, Patricia Ryan Pal

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

This qualitative survey study, framed by social role and role congruity theories, explored the perceptions and experiences of 33 women faculty and academic administrators at doctoral-granting highest research-intensive universities located in the Southwestern region of the U.S. The purpose of the study was to expand on our understanding of how social role and role congruity theories can explain and further our understanding of how women are perceived to be valued as leaders in the higher education space, and how society supports this continued valuation. For purposes of this study, social value is explored through the operational processes of higher education …

The Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On The Leadership Of Chief Human Resources Officers In The California Community Colleges System, Tonya Davis

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of chief human resources officers (CHROs) in the California Community Colleges System regarding the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on their leadership in four areas: self- awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological study described the lived experiences of CHROs as those experiences relate to the impact of EI on their leadership. A random sample was selected from the target population of 24 CHROs located in the Central and Southern Regions of California. The instrumentation used in the study was semistructured interview questions adapted …

Who's There For The Directors?, Mark K. Nagasawa

Straus Center for Young Children & Families

This third report from the Listening to Teachers study’s second year focuses on a subsample of early childhood program leaders (n=113) in NYC. Among the key findings in this report:

• Support from supervisors lowered the odds of survey participants reporting potential burnout.
• However, the odds of program leaders reporting potential burnout were 1.7 times higher than for other respondents.
• The odds of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) respondents being in leadership roles were significantly less than their white colleagues.

While this study's self-selected sample makes these findings ungeneralizable, they do raise the critically important question, What is …

Professional Learning Cultures At Work: How Principals Serve As Catalysts For Learning, Christopher J. Tranberg

Doctoral Dissertations

Principals are an influential factor in a child’s academic success (Manna, 2015; Louis et al., 2010; Waters et al., 2003). Although the path of influence is often indirect, principals affect student learning by developing and sustaining strong professional learning cultures (Hattie, 2009; Leithwood & Jantzi, 2012). As a result of the complexities surrounding principalship, a desire to understand the attributes, skills, and leadership actions of successful principals persists as an international focus of educational research. This study examines principalship through the experiences of various stakeholders within a school system utilizing a descriptive single case study ethnographic qualitative approach. This approach …

A Phenomenology Of The Job-Related Experiences Of Early Career Catholic Elementary School Principals, Sarah K. Kerins, Lucinda Spaulding

Journal of Catholic Education

This qualitative phenomenology investigated the job-related experiences of early career Catholic elementary school principals (N = 13) in the Mideastern region of the United States. Data were collected from an introductory survey, semi-structured interviews, two focus groups, and a participant designed plan for professional development. The findings indicated that Catholic elementary principals in their early career are motivated by a calling to a vocation in Catholic school leadership as well as the ability to develop and implement a vision for their school. Principals reported being challenged by limited resources, balancing the demands of the position, and navigating relationships. Finally, principals …

Becoming A More Empathetic Leader And Person, Rachel Shellstrom

Undergraduate Honors Theses

When defining empathy, the most common definition is “stepping into someone else’s shoes.” Along with this definition, many also share that it is important to have empathy and be an empathetic person. Yet, when thinking about its importance and this definition, a few questions arise: can we actually step into someone else’s shoes? Can we truly understand what someone else is feeling and experiencing if we are not them or do not hold the same identities that they do? Through a deeper exploration of existing empathy building certificate programs and empathy research, this thesis project explores these exact questions and …

The Value Of An Education - An Exploratory Study Of The Relationship Between Cultural And Institutional Values And First-Generation Native American Student Success, Michelle L. Lee

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

The purpose of this study was to explore the value and meaning that first-generation American Indian students place on higher education. Are these values different from those of the institution and how does that impact their educational journey? Finding purpose and meaning in your education encourages continued commitment to your educational goals. I conducted a single-site qualitative study at a Southwestern Non-Tribal Community University (SWNTCU), collecting data through an arts-based inquiry methodology employing photovoice narrative as a tool. To situate these narratives, I utilized an Indigenous paradigm interweaving Tribal Critical Race Theory, Relationality, and an Indigenous Wellness Model (Brayboy, 2006; …

Leading With Heart: How Exemplary K-5 Principals Demonstrate Transformational Leadership Through Heart-Based Practices, Teresa Hubbard

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe how exemplary K-5 principals in Southern California lead from the heart using Mark Crowley’s (2011) 4 principles (building a highly engaged team, connecting on a personal level, maximizing employee potential and valuing and honoring achievements) to accomplish extraordinary results in their schools.

Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological methodology to study the behaviors of elementary principals. This study, due to current Covid restrictions, included virtual one-on-one interviews that were held via the Zoom online platform. The data collected included audio and video recordings, written transcripts, and artifacts from school …

The Impact Covid-19 Is Having On Freedom Of Speech And Expression On Campuses: From Issues To Solutions, Renee Marine

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

At a time of complete uncertainty, one thing remains consistent, the right the American people to freedom of speech and expression. What comes into question, is the cost of expressing that freedom. As stated in the First Amendment (1789):

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances. (p. 1)

Right now, while millions of people are fighting for their lives, hundreds of thousands …

Navigating Leadership In Academia Through A Crisis, Domenick J. Pinto

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Academic leadership is a fast-paced ever changing entity. When you add an unexpected global pandemic to the mix, it changes academic life beyond anyone's wildest dreams. In this workshop I hope to share how I and my colleagues handled the pandemic and invite the participants to share their experiences. Let's learn from one another!

Managing Uncertainty Through Values-Centric Leadership, Kimberly Miloch, Chris Ray, Abigail Tilton

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Crises force leaders to think in the short-term to address immediate needs. In navigating emergencies like COVID-19, it is vital that leaders remain values-focused, especially when considering short-term solutions that inevitably have long-term impact. This presentation examines values-centric leadership in the context of crisis communication, budget reductions, and strategic planning.

Faculty Reopening Committee: A Study Of Chair And Faculty Collaboration, Jeffrey Ward

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

The presenter will share experiences with a self-selected group of volunteer faculty to form a Reopening Committee, offering conclusions not only about the committee but also about also how it more broadly illustrates principles of faculty governance and collegial relationships among faculty and between the faculty and the department head.

Faculty Reopening Committee: A Study Of Chair And Faculty Collaboration, Jeffrey Ward

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

The presenter will share experiences with a self-selected group of volunteer faculty to form a Reopening Committee, offering conclusions not only about the committee but also about also how it more broadly illustrates principles of faculty governance and collegial relationships among faculty and between the faculty and the department head.

Navigating The Realm Of Faculty Evaluation, Sonal Dekhane, Patrice Bell, Neelam Khan

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

In this presentation the presenters will discuss annual evaluation process followed at a young, liberal arts institution. Chairs from three different STEM disciplines will provide an overview of the annual evaluation process and share strategies to ensure successful and consistent evaluation in departments of various sizes.

Do Academic Supervisors Know What Their Employees Want From Work?, John C. Griffith Ph.D.

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Presenter will discuss the results of a survey which included respondents from the 2020 Academic Chairperson’s Conference on what employees want from work. Results were compared between what employees valued and what supervisors thought employees wanted from work. Conference participants will be asked to consider how the 10 work factors evaluated in this study impact their employees to include faculty. Additionally, we will discuss strategies focusing on key work factors to improve motivation.

Academic Leadership In The New Normal, Jeff Buller

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

The COVID-19 pandemic. The assault on the U.S. capitol. Global warming. Toxic polarization. These and other factors have created what many in higher education now refer to as “the New Normal.” It's a period when many of our former assumptions about higher education—including the reason for going to college itself—are increasingly being called into question. How can department chairs lead most effectively in this altered landscape of higher education? What has really changed, and what has remained relatively untouched by recent events? In this workshop, participants will explore how to plan and guide their programs when the only thing they …