Postsecondary data processing advisory committees: organization, operation, effectiveness, and leadership style

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to identify which advisory committee functions data processing committees are performing, determine how effectively these functions are being performed, and assess the relationship between leadership style and advisory committee effectiveness. Two year postsecondary schools in the Southeast Region of the United States were studied for an academic year.

Descriptive statistic techniques were used to tabulate the operations and organization data of committee members and division heads. Mean scores on performed advisory committee functions determined the effectiveness level for each committee as rated by advisory committee members and business or technology division heads. The Leader Behavior Analysis II-Self provided leadership style for the chairperson.

Data processing advisory committees reported the most participation in identifying occupational skills, recommending content of the program, determining course relevancy, and evaluating on-going programs. The lowest reported participation was dealing with instruction for the disadvantaged and elimination of sex bias. Committee members felt they were most effective identifying occupational skills, recommending employment standards, and determining course relevancy. Division heads reported communication with the community was the most effective function the advisory committee performed.

Committees in this study did not conform on several aspects to the modal pattern for craft advisory committees in the literature--committee size, terms of appointment, and orientation of committee members. Forty-seven percent of the committees reported eight members or more and 33% appoint members for indefinite terms. Orientation of committee members was neglected by 26% of the committees. Many committees were inactive or nonexistent.

The study results indicated a relationship between committee leadership style and Factor II-Developing Curriculum items on the effectiveness instrument; this association was significant at the .05 level. However, no significant relationship could be shown between leadership style and effectiveness of the committee.