Date of Award

1994

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

College

College of Education and International Services

Program

Higher Education Administration PhD

First Advisor

Bernard M. Lall

Second Advisor

Jimmy Kijai

Third Advisor

Lyndon G. Furst

Abstract

Problem

In the business and corporate world, there exists a unique collection of proven decision-making tools, techniques, and management ideas. There is, however, no clear definition and empirical analysis relative to the nature of the relationships among internal/external variables as they influence decision-making in the research university provosts' roles and functions. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of selected variables on provost decision-making within their many functions.

Method

The survey research method was used to study the relationships among selected variables affecting decision-making in the functions of research university provosts. An instrument was designed and pilot tested for the purpose of this study. The goal of the instrument was to measure how provosts perceived nine variables as being important to decision-making in each of 11 functions. A demographic information questionnaire was also used for data collection. Statistical procedures included Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance.

Results

Results obtained are as follows: (1) There were significant relationships among of the nine variables with respect to the functions. The three variables with the highest number of significant correlations were experiences gained on the job, philosophy of administration, and needs of the university community. (2) Job experience, philosophy of administration, and needs of the university community were significantly different from and more important than all other variables. (3) Responses of the provosts with respect to the importance of the variables did not differ regardless of their field of study and age.

Conclusion

This study revealed that some variables were significantly more important than others. Unlike formal preparation which had little to do with effective provost decision-making job experience was an important variable upon which provosts relied in making tough decisions. Provosts are expected to "plunge in," apply their philosophy and learn by experience.

Subject Area

Universities and colleges--Administration; College administrators

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/dissertations/319

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