Abstract
This article reports findings from a national survey of communication department chairs examining factors that influence job satisfaction. Respondents generally indicated moderate to high satisfaction, with little variation across institutional types. However, the type of college housing the department affected satisfaction, with chairs in social sciences reporting the highest levels and those in performing arts the lowest. The most significant concerns across institutions were budgetary issues, including funds for equipment, travel, and general expenses, along with shortages of faculty. Analysis showed that perceptions of how departments were valued by higher administrators strongly influenced satisfaction, especially at master’s and doctoral-granting institutions. Community college chairs reported greater satisfaction when facing excess student demand, while dissatisfaction was tied to financial constraints. The study concludes that administrative recognition and adequate resources are critical to sustaining satisfaction and reducing turnover among departmental leaders.
Recommended Citation
Becker, Samuel L. and Trank, Douglas M.
(1988)
"Why Are You So Happy?,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 63, Article 4.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol63/iss1/4
