Relationships Among Selected Internal/External Variables Affecting Decision Making in the Roles/Functions of Research University Provosts
Problem In the business and corporate world, there exists a unique collection of proven decision-making tools, techniques, and management ideas. There is, however, no clear definition and empirical analysis relative to the nature of the relationships among internal/external variables as they influence decision-making in the research university provosts' roles and functions. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of selected variables on provost decision-making within their many functions. Method The survey research method was used to study the relationships among selected variables affecting decision-making in the functions of research university provosts. An instrument was designed and pilot tested for the purpose of this study. The goal of the instrument was to measure how provosts perceived nine variables as being important to decision-making in each of 11 functions. A demographic information questionnaire was also used for data collection. Statistical procedures included Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. Results Results obtained are as follows: (1) There were significant relationships among of the nine variables with respect to the functions. The three variables with the highest number of significant correlations were experiences gained on the job, philosophy of administration, and needs of the university community. (2) Job experience, philosophy of administration, and needs of the university community were significantly different from and more important than all other variables. (3) Responses of the provosts with respect to the importance of the variables did not differ regardless of their field of study and age. Conclusion This study revealed that some variables were significantly more important than others. Unlike formal preparation which had little to do with effective provost decision-making job experience was an important variable upon which provosts relied in making tough decisions. Provosts are expected to "plunge in," apply their philosophy and learn by experience.
Decision Making, Provosts, University, Higher Education, Administration, Educational Methods, Higher Education Administration
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations