Role Conflict in Academic Organizations: An Exploratory Examination of the Department Chairman's Experience

Abstract

This study reports the results of an empirical study of the role conflict phenomenon as experienced by university department chairmen within complex academic organizations. The research was designed to delve into the existence, frequency, and kinds of perceived conflict manifested at the departmental level. A probe was made into the relationship between perceived role conflict and focal person satisfaction, as measured by the chairman's reported need defi ciency. Additionally, six key decision areas were examined exploring the exis tence of role conflict in departmental chairman decision making. The author is Assistant professor of Management in the College of Business Administration of the University of Georgia.