Being an Effective Department Chairperson

Terence C. Krell, Ph.D.

Effectiveness*

What makes an effective department chairperson?

Integrity in dealing with people (fair, trustworthy, open-minded and above board) and ability to resolve conflicts.

Maturity to enable self-governance in department (responsible delegation), guided by focus on department mission.

Able to represent department well in larger university context, including with Deans and VP, as well as externally with potential donors. Broad vision of department in context of the university and within the discipline/s as a whole.

Understanding of business & management issues pertinent to running a department ( budgeting, strategic planning, etc.)

Reputation as scholar of some merit in field.

What makes an ineffective department chairperson?

The opposite of above--covert, judgmental, not-to-be-trusted, manipulative, dictatorial, plays favorites, does everything him/herself without consultation, excessively territorial, incompetent in managerial and business aspects of job and no reputation in the field. No vision of larger university context or the discipline as a whole.

* Thanks to Christa Walck, Michigan Tech.