Date of Graduation

1996

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of small religious college presidents and board chairpersons with regard to twenty one selected presidential roles. Presidents and board chairpersons from one hundred and fifty (150) small religious colleges and universities were randomly selected to respond to the Presidential Roles Survey. Usable survey instruments were returned by 91 of the 150 presidents (61%), and 75 of the 150 board chairpersons (50%). These responses came from 100 of the 150 institutions (66%) that were surveyed. This study showed that presidents and board chairpersons of small religious colleges were a very educated group with 73% of presidents possessing a doctorate, and 72% of board chairpersons possessing a master's or above. Another interesting finding in this study, concluded that presidents (75%) and board chairpersons (75%) were above the age of 51; however, the presidents (75%) and the board chairpersons (82%) had served in the present position less than ten years. This study also concluded that presidents and board chairpersons were in general agreement with regard to the 21 selected presidential roles. The significant difference was found between the presidents and board chairpersons on the role of Interinstitutional Rapport. Presidents and board chairpersons concluded that the role of P.R. Specialist/Image Builder was the most important, followed closely by the role of Visionary/Long Range Planner. Overall, the study showed little differences in the perceptions of the respondents; however, one might conclude, the importance of the president and the board relationship in creating shared vision, purpose, and a future for the small religious college could result in the failure or the success of these institutions.

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