Kirkpatrick (1994) reports that the academic department chairperson, holds an important leadership role in the university, responsible for the facilitation of positive relationships, and increase of faculty productivity and empowerment. Positions are often a result of personality attributes (enthusiasm, honesty, etc.) rather than skills. The authors review the literature regarding the department chair position and report the roles, responsibilities, and attributes of the person and position. Information and conclusions appear to be substantiated with several previous studies.
Friedman, Krams, and Mattern (1991) reported on the management and evaluation of curriculum in the a school of medicine. A new leadership position of associate dean for academic affairs was now authorized to manage curriculum and implement small or medium changes with continuous evaluation. The authors offer brief information and evaluation of the program and its leaders. Conclusions are speculative; participants report satisfaction and the program is viewed as feasible.
Jacobs and Tower (1992) report that educational shifts in medicine require new leadership practices. A program was established at the Stanford University School of Medicine with educator faculty as a critical leadership issue. A separate faculty track was created to assure the inclusion of superior clinicians and clinical teachers among the faculty. The authors offer adequate descriptions of the successful program for other school leaders to implement.
Friedman, C. P., Krams, D. S., & Mattern, W. D. (1991). Improving the curriculum through continuous evaluation. Academic Medicine, 66(5), 257-258.
Jacobs, M. B. & Tower, D. (1992). Enhancing the training of internal medicine residents at Stanford by establishing a model group practice and raising its clinical educators' status. Academic Medicine, 67(10), 623-629.
Kirkpatrick, M. K. (1994). The department chair position ...