Abstract
This article examines the role of communication in the socialization of new academic department chairs. While most chairs are appointed with little or no administrative training, they must quickly adapt to complex responsibilities involving leadership without extensive authority. Using intensive interviews with four newly appointed chairs, the study identifies a typology of twenty-one communication dimensions across four functional categories: informative, integrative, regulative, and innovative. These include activities such as information seeking and giving, relationship building, exercising authority, and initiating change. Findings show that communication is central to role-making as chairs negotiate expectations, establish credibility, and adapt prior faculty experience to administrative responsibilities. Despite differences in institutional context, participants experienced remarkably similar patterns of communication, suggesting that common strategies characterize the early adjustment period. The study concludes that effective communication is essential for successful role socialization and leadership development in academic administration.
Recommended Citation
Spicer, Christopher H. and Staton-Spicer, Ann Q.
(1988)
"Communication in the Socialization of the Academic Department Chairperson,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 65, Article 8.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol65/iss1/8
