II. Chair's Role and Responsibilities, and Leadership

While much of the daily life of a chair is shaped by the managerial demands of the department, it is the leadership role that distinguishes the position from that of an organizational bureaucrat. In fact, the bulk of the APPM’s statement on chair’s responsibilities focuses on several outcomes of effective leadership. Although new chairs rightly may feel that their academic training has not prepared them adequately for some of the challenges of the chair’s responsibilities, it is within the domain of leadership that they will most often apply their professional skills and knowledge. Perhaps the most important quality of leadership is therefore the ability to understand the “big picture” that represents the interests of all faculty and students, beyond one’s own narrow disciplinary focus and priorities.

1. Responsibilities
2. Long-term vision
3. Management style
4. Communication
5. Constituents
6. Department Climate
7. Diversity
8. Celebrating Achievements
9. Planning and Retreats
10. College and university liaison

Last Updated: 8/3/2009