The topic addressed in this theoretical and research study is the role of the Chairperson in the Management of the Department. The main aim of the work is to explore the opinions of Chairpersons and faculty members about the role of the Department Chair in the administrative hierarchy of the University. Additionally, it aims to highlight points of convergence or divergence in the views of Department Chairs and faculty members, as each perceives the institution of the Chair from their own perspective as a distinct and integral link in the same chain, the University Department Administration.
As part of the research exploration of the topic, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with two male and two female Department Chairs and Deputy Chairs, as well as three male and one female faculty members, all from Democritus University of Thrace. An effort was made to investigate the opinions of Chairs and faculty members to identify obstacles they face in their professional administrative development, to study the main duties of University Department Chairs, to determine whether the participants in the research would seek higher administrative positions within the university hierarchy, and to evaluate the Leadership of the Chairs and assess this specific institution.
The main findings of this theoretical and research study are as follows: a) during their administrative progression to the position of University Department Chair, political beliefs were an important and very decisive factor in their hierarchy placement, b) the protection of students' rights, the well-structured study program, regular and collaborative general assemblies, a good atmosphere of cooperation, the quality of educational work, and the proper prioritization of Department matters are some of the most important duties for Chairs, c) assuming the position of Department Chair does not necessarily imply a desire to undertake higher administrative roles, and finally, d) most interviewees believe that assessing their work is a complex and difficult process, but they assert that they did their best within their capabilities.
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