Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

11-17-1970

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the mean scores of a group of school administrators on a test of sensitivity to communication in terms of their sex, age, level of position, and length of time in position. The study employed 155 administrators at the central office and individual school levels in a large Southwest school district. Subjects were given The UNM Conversation Self-Report Inventory (Form 369A/Revised), which was designed to measure the extent of communication sensitivity in respondents. Sensitivity to communication is defined as visualizing the purpose of communication to be one of understanding the feelings of others in the communication act, as distinguished from such other socially acceptable purposes as fact finding, reaching agreement, and developing logical argument. The subjects were found not to differ significantly from one another in their sensitivity despite differences in age, level of position, and length of time spent in position. Women, however, were found to be significantly more sensitive than men. The central theme of the argument for sensitivity in a large school system's administrative ranks is that organizations must meet the psychological needs of its members, and communication is a basic human need. Failure to meet this need results in alienation, factionalization, and reduction of commitment to organizational goals. Sensitivity in administration can be improved through careful selection of new administrators and through a continuing training program. More important than these elements, however, is the climate set by top administrators. Decentralization, flattening of the organizational structure, and loosening of the control over decision making will abet a favorable climate for sensitivity to communication.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Tom Wiley

Second Committee Member

Miles Vernon Zintz

Third Committee Member

David Lawrence Bachelor

Download

Share

COinS