The Need for a Conceptual Framework for Leadership and Shared Governance between Faculty and Administrators

NCCU Author/Contributor (non-NCCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
James Osler, Professor (Creator)
Institution
North Carolina Central University (NCCU )
Web Site: www.nccu.edu/academics/library/

Abstract: There is a compelling need for shared governance in higher education based upon rising confl ict between administrators’role as leaders and faculties’ role as teachers, researchers, and service providers. This paper begins by reviewingthe literature to defi ne best practices in shared governance as well as to uncover faculty and administrator beliefs,attitudes, and dispositions that can both promote and hinder shared governance. Next, the paper outlines a survey tostudy the degree to which shared governance is present within an institution. A pilot survey was conducted amongstfaculty at diverse institutions. Survey results are analyzed to inform a conceptual framework for better leadership andfollowership in higher education. A tri-squared analysis was used to study desired interaction between the level ofcollegiality, the ability to infl uence policy, and the degree to which important information is broadly communicated. TheProcess Education-based Compass of Higher Education is affi rmed as a conceptual framework for diffusing currenttensions surrounding shared governance. Helpful administrator and faculty actions are mapped within fi ve points ofthe compass: self-development, learner development, institutional development, intellectual development, and facultydevelopment. The survey used in this work can be adapted to determine the level of shared governance on any campusand to highlight strengths and areas for improvement associated with each of the compass points. This work is presentlycontinuing with the purpose of determining how shared governance is perceived in higher education by a much largerpopulation.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2021

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