Abstract
This article presents a department chair’s perspective on the powers and responsibilities of the ideal dean, emphasizing the influence a dean exerts through decisions affecting budgets, resources, and personnel. It argues that these powers shape a department’s programs, priorities, and long term vitality, making the dean’s role both consequential and potentially dangerous if exercised without wisdom and moral discipline. The ideal dean is described as one who holds limited but sufficient authority, whose decisions reflect institutional norms, and who avoids overreach or violations of established procedures. Problems arise either when the dean exceeds legitimate authority or when decisions, though formally proper, are made without sound judgment. The article further outlines the dean’s roles as counsellor, manager, listener, and educational statesman, drawing parallels to classical notions of leadership. The ideal dean must understand the diverse disciplines under his administration and must occasionally articulate a broader educational vision beyond routine operational matters. Through such statesmanship, the dean confers value on faculty work and guides the exercise of administrative power with fairness and insight.
Recommended Citation
Bitzer, Lloyd F.
(1985)
"A Department Chair Interprets the Roles and Powers of the Ideal Dean,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 52, Article 8.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol52/iss1/8
