The Lack of Formal Power in Academia: Common Scenarios for Department Chairs That Make Serving Problematic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/han3fd62

Keywords:

higher education, department chair, training, power

Abstract

Managing within academia can be highly problematic due to a myriad of  factors. The current work seeks to identify common scenarios that compound  the ability of effective management within academia. The focus of the  discussion will center on arguably the most difficult managerial role within  academia, the department chair. Specifically, the current work identifies  scenarios detrimental to effective management for the department chair,  discusses why these scenarios are problematic, and then provides practical approaches for how institutions of higher education may address these  situations in a way that best serves the needs of the institution.

References

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Published

2026-07-25

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Walker, S., Lackey, E., & Killebrew, J. (2026). The Lack of Formal Power in Academia: Common Scenarios for Department Chairs That Make Serving Problematic. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.33423/han3fd62