Understanding the training needs of department chairs

Little empirical research has focused specifically on the process of identifying comprehensive training needs for department chairs and school directors in public universities. A case study is presented to demonstrate the systematic design and implementation of a program to comprehensively assess the training needs of department chairs and school directors in a public university. Findings from a six-step process revealed that budgets and funding, faculty issues, legal issues and professional development of chairs and directors were rated as the highest priority training needs. Advantages of this approach, strategies for overcoming obstacles to implementation, potential limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.