DIFFERENT DEANS, DIFFERENT STROKES: THE EXPERIENCE OF A FACULTY OFFICER

Abstract

The academic and administrative cultures are vastly different and are just like two alternative philosophical splits that are irreconcilable: negotiation of contested terrain or turf strained environment and a real potential for friction between faculty and administrator. This is evident in the kind of treatment given to the Faculty Officer, who is the representative in the Faculty. These poor treatments can be in different forms of resentment or suspicion of administrators and find them to be overbearing and overpowering, placating by either party as a way of indulging the other’s whims, denying administrator the benefits of office, withholding or misusing of information or displaying defensive reactions, divisiveness, display of resistance of administrative control, inattentiveness to institutional issues, resist acknowledgement of administrative authority, react defensively to administrator’s suggestions, cede ground grudgingly, anger and frustration about perceived lack of consultation to mention but a few. In building a solid relationship, perceptions are important because they offer a starting point for collaboration and joint effort. The role of the Faculty Officer was investigated in the course of the work. The experiences of working with four tenure Deans as a way of proffering solutions to these negative perceptions that can foster an attitude that permeates through decision making in institutions of higher learning.