February 9-11, 2005 - Orlando, FL

Individuals are more satisfied and productive members of a department if they have opportunities to create and implement ideas that are meaningful to them and the organization they support. Empowerment takes many forms in an organization including: involvement in departmental decision-making, interest in and receptivity to new ideas, advocacy for them, and providing financial and other support.

People feel empowered when department decision-making is a shared process that results in a sense that everyone owns and participates in the department's life. Department heads can demonstrate an openness to change and new ideas in many ways, ranging from the way departmental meetings are chaired to the active solicitation of initiatives from the faculty.

Resistance to change can come from inside or outside the department. The chair's ability and commitment to serve as an advocate is often a primary influence in successfully implementing change. Without financial resources or other support such as release time or summer stipends, positive change is difficult to facilitate. Chairs that encourage change by providing visible means of support earn credibility with their faculty and serve notice that positive change is highly valued.

How chairs empower change to improve both departmental quality and climate will be the focus of the Twenty-Second Annual Academic Chairpersons Conference.

     
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