dentify as central to acquiring the CSAO position and performing successfully in it can be listed and defined as follows:
(1) Integrity - Defined as standards of moral and intellectual honesty used as a basis for conduct, integrity is associated with a man or woman who is truthful, honest, loyal, courageous, who, while flexible, is not particularly vulnerable to situational ethics. As a personality characteristic, integrity has been repeatedly found in samples of effective CSAOs (e.g. Thrash, 1965; Appleton, Briggs & Rhatigan, 1978; Young, 1991).
(2) Commitment - According to Clement and Rickard (1992), the personality attribute of commitment derives from enjoyment of one's work, an optimistic attitude toward work outcomes and possibilities, and a strong conviction of the importance of student services work. Personality variables associated with the personal attribute of commitment also include enthusiasm, joy, and passion as well as a generally positive attitude toward students. The importance of commitment not only in work as a CSAO but also in general managerial positions in institutions of higher learning has been established in several students (e.g. Peters & Austin, 1985; Kourzes & Posner, 1987).
(3) Tenacity - The personality attribute of tenacity is said to be associated with a strong work ethic, patience, perseverance, and follow through. There is also diligence, attention to detail, and efficiency.
Trimble, Allen, and Vidoni (1991) have also discussed a number of personality variables which they state operate to both motivate college administrators such as CSAOs and to sustain them in the position. According to the authors, the administrator possessing the following list of personality characteristics will be well able to respond to new challenges, to handle stress, and to attain high quality performance levels.
These personality variables are: (1) the ability to function without unanimous support; (2) poli...