Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Nature of Relationship Construction and Maintenance for New College Presidents: An Exploratory Study

Abstract Details

2011, Ph.D., Antioch University, Leadership and Change.
The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of relationships within the context of a new college presidency. The college presidency is unique given the societal importance of higher education and the organizational complexity of academia. To remain relevant in addressing society's needs a president must successfully create an environment receptive to self-examination and change. Central to a president's success is the ability to construct and maintain effective relationships. This exploratory research employed a phenomenological approach, interviewing eleven new college presidents as the primary method for gathering data. Through data analysis the researcher captured a deeper understanding of the complex dimensions of relationships. Several themes emerged from the data. Professional relationship challenges included: turbulent relationships with provosts; a propensity to restructure presidents' cabinets; challenges with faculty relationships; and the importance of board chair relationships. Personal relationships were more challenged by presidents with children. Themes relative to interpersonal constructs found most participants in this study feeling it important to maintain social distance from work colleagues. Several participants lacked trust, or had limited trust, in others (beyond spouses) to discuss sensitive work-related matters. There was a strong sense from the participants that they had not sacrificed authenticity as a result of being president. A majority of the participants experienced sporadic periods of loneliness attributed to leader decision making and lack of non-work related social opportunities. An analysis of the themes related to interpersonal constructs found contradictory views relative to trust, authenticity, social distancing, and loneliness to the degree that many of the presidents were functioning more in a command and control style of leadership rather than a relational approach. All of the presidents felt that relationship construction and maintenance was foundational to their effectiveness. The electronic version of this dissertation is at Ohiolink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd
Alan E. Guskin, PhD (Committee Chair)
Jon Wergin, PhD (Committee Member)
Maravene Loeschke, PhD (Committee Member)
Michael Bassis, PhD (Other)
179 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Allen, M. (2011). The Nature of Relationship Construction and Maintenance for New College Presidents: An Exploratory Study [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1325792568

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Allen, Mark. The Nature of Relationship Construction and Maintenance for New College Presidents: An Exploratory Study. 2011. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1325792568.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Allen, Mark. "The Nature of Relationship Construction and Maintenance for New College Presidents: An Exploratory Study." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1325792568

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)