| The purpose of the study was to consider the expectations and perceptions of the role of nursing department chairpersons in the academic environment. The criteria for selection of the department chairperson were also considered. The research questions were: (1) What are nursing faculties' perceptions of the nursing chairperson's role? (2) What are nursing chairpersons' perceptions of their role? (3) What are the deans' perceptions of the nursing chairperson's role? (4) How do faculties' and deans' perceptions compare with those of the chairperson? (5) Is there a difference in the perception of the role of the department chairperson among the deans, chairpersons, and faculty? (6) What are the criteria for selection of the department chairperson as perceived by deans, chairpersons, and faculty?;Eight hundred seventy-eight faculty, eighty chairpersons, and 24 deans from 24 National League for Nursing accredited baccalaureate nursing programs in the southern region (Southern Regional Educational Board) were surveyed on their perceptions of the role of the nursing department chairperson and the criteria used for selection of this nursing position. The aspect of role theory (role ambiguity and conflict as a source of stress) provided the conceptual and theoretical basis for this study.;The findings showed a close relationship between faculty, chairpersons, and deans on the perceptions of the nursing chairperson's role and the criteria for the selection of the nursing department chairperson. The faculty group, chairperson group, and dean group perceive the nursing chairperson as a "middle manager" who should represent the college of nursing inside and outside of the university. These groups also see the chairperson as a supporter of faculty. They do not believe the chairperson should dictate curriculum, student areas, or other matters, but should involve the faculty. The groups or total of all respondents were not in agreement as to writing grant proposals, presenting papers at conferences, conducting research in general, and teaching. The degree to which these activities were to be carried out was not stated. |
