ERIC Number: ED283280
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Effects of Structural Complexity on Administrative Role Demands.
Carr, John C.
This report of a 1986 survey conducted in Maine addresses the relationship between stated time use demands on principals and superintendents and the structural complexity of the organizations in which they work. Researchers, comparing single with multiple schools and districts of supervisory responsibility, mailed the Maine Administrative Competency Survey to all principals and superintendents and received a response of 61 percent and 66 percent, respectively. Although multiunit superintendents reported more time spent supervising and evaluating personnel than did single-unit superintendents, rural multidistrict superintendents have fewer opportunities to delegate evaluative functions. Similarities in time use are more striking than dissimilarities; additional structural components require study to develop recommendations. More differences (but fewer than assumed) occurred between principal groups. Compared to multischool principals, single school principals spend more time supervising and evaluating personnel, preparing class schedules, and attending activities. Predictably, single school principals spend less time traveling. Findings indicate more similarities than differences in time use among single- and multiunit administrators, which may reflect job conditions necessities over structural factors. Multiple supervisory and reporting functions for administrators are rural realities in Maine. Further study should determine the influence of these considerations on leadership effectiveness. Survey results are appended. (CJH)
Descriptors: Administrator Responsibility, Administrator Role, Comparative Analysis, Elementary Secondary Education, Instructional Leadership, Leadership Responsibility, Organizational Theories, Principals, Research Needs, Rural Schools, School District Size, School Districts, School Size, State Surveys, Superintendents, Time Management
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers; Administrators; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A