Decision-Process Behaviors of Academic Managers

Identifying decision processes which academic managers prefer was the focus of this study. Sixty-eight division chairpersons in a community college system, 10 in a 4-year college, and 29 in a university were questioned about 30 problem situations. Chairpersons usually selected consultative decision-process styles which encourage faculty participation. These consultative decision styles are protective of the quality of decision outcomes. However, faculty acceptance and commitment to decision alternatives often was a threat. Participation was not used in problem situations as a means to resolving conflicts. The Vroom-Yetton decision model was helpful in identifying strengths and weaknesses of decision behaviors of chairpersons.