Dissertation Abstract

An Investigation of The Relationship Between Perceived Leadership Behaviors of Deans of Schools/Colleges of Allied Health and Job Satisfaction of Department Chairpersons.

This study investigated the relationship between the two leadership behaviors consideration (relationship) and task (initiating structure) of deans of schools/colleges of allied health and department chairperson's job satisfaction. The Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ) and the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) were used to measure leadership and satisfaction.

Subjects were department chairpersons in schools/colleges of allied health in academic health centers in state universities in the United States. Twenty-nine schools/colleges of allied health were identified. Questionnaires consisting of demographic information, and questions from the LBDQ and JDI were mailed to the population. The rate of usable returns was 66 percent.

Examination of job satisfaction of chairpersons indicated that there was a distinct increase in satisfaction with supervision scores of chairpersons who perceived dean's leadership styles as either high consideration or high task. Tenured chairpersons scored higher on overall satisfaction than did non-tenured chairpersons. Chairpersons in the 60-65 age range were much more satisfied with their jobs than were all other age groups.

Examination of leadership styles, as perceived by chairpersons, indicated that the greatest number of deans utilized a low task, low consideration style. Fifty-two percent of all deans utilized leadership styles which produced the lowest satisfaction with supervision scores of chairpersons. Chairpersons who perceived their deans using a high task, high consideration style had highest satisfactions with supervision. Significant positive correlations were found between the leader behavior dimensions of consideration and task and chairpersons' overall job satisfaction. The facet measures of satisfaction with work on the job and supervision were both positively correlated.

Examination of relationships between the five satisfaction subscale and seven demographic variables indicated that tenure status correlated significantly with all five subscales. Increased rank was significantly correlated with satisfaction with supervision and work on the job. Years in current position was positively correlated with chairpersons' satisfaction with supervision and work on the job. Years of academic experience was positively correlated with chairpersons' satisfaction with work and people on the job. Examination of relationships between the two leader behavior dimensions and four demographic variables yielded significant positive correlations between deans' consideration behavior and chairpersons' age, years of experience and tenure status. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)

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