The purpose of the study was to construct and test a theoretical subjective authority continuum model for institutions of higher education. The model designed consisted of two major parts:(1) a model for the classification of subordinates according to one of 16 subordinate types and (2) a subjective authority continuum presented as a horizontal line along which three interrelated zones expand and contract. The three zones on the subjective authority continuum are: (1) zone of indifference, (2) zone of analysis, and (3) zone of rejection.The zone of indifference is characterized as when subordinates carry out administrative requirements without resistance, or thought. The zone of analysis means the subordinate will analyze administrative requirements before complying or not complying. The zone of rejection means the subordinate will not willingly comply with an administrative requirement.Testing of the model was accomplished through the use ofquestionnaire type instrument. Thirty nine potential respondents were sent packets. Each packet included a test instrument. Twenty one of the selectees responded by returning the test instruments. The respondents were selected according to predetermined criteria. No individual identification of respondents was sought or received.The analysis of the responses was accomplished as follows:(1) The respondent was identified according to subordinate type. Subordinate type was determined by specific responses to four questions in part one of the test instrument. The four questions were relevant to three conditions: (a) superior-subordinate relationships, (b) personal professional values, and (c) attitudinal uniformity. There were three levels of combinations which resulted in 16 possible subordinate types. A respondent was identified as one subordinate type only.(2) Four specific situations were then given to respondents. That is, the four questions in part two of the instrument were designed to relate to four situations involving conflict, or a lack of conflict, of the three conditions determined as representative of subjective authority. That is, superior-subordinate relationships, personal professional values, and attitudinal uniformity.(3) Three responses were given for selection and a comments section was provided. The three given responses related directly to the three zones along the subjective authority continuum. The three responses and corrollary zones were:(1) I would ordinarily comply--representative of zone of indifference.(2) I would ordinarily take under advisement-representative of the zone of analysis.(3) I would ordinarily reject--representative of the zone of rejection.Analysis of the data supported the notion that subordinates can be identified according to type, and that subjective authority does exist within the academic department of the institution of higher education where the study was conducted. Further, operating professionals are sensitive to the three conditions given as necessary for subjective authority to exist. The majority o the respondents indicated a strong preference for superiors to demonstrate a high consideration for subordinates, while preferences for task involvement by superiors in tasks performed by subordinates was mixed. A majority of the respondents also indicated strong influence from personal professional values while all of the respondents which were identified by type, indicated strong influence from colleague attitudinal uniformity.The model is not intended to be a panacea. Other models, theories, and concepts should be considered when using the subjective authority continuum mode.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/176563 |
| Date | January 1978 |
| Creators | Haley, Charles Edward |
| Contributors | Patton, Don C. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 119 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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