Document Type
Article
Journal Title
Journal of dental education
Publication Date
4-1-2008
Volume
72
Abstract
This study explores the little-understood process of evaluating the performance of assistant and associate deans at dental colleges in the United States and Canada. Specifically, this research aimed to identify the methods, processes, and outcomes related to the performance appraisals of assistant/associate deans. Both deans and assistant/associate deans were surveyed. Forty-four of sixty-six deans (66.7 percent) and 227 of 315 assistant/associate deans (72.1 percent) completed surveys with both close-ended and open-ended questions. In addition, ten individuals from each group were interviewed. Results indicate that 75-89 percent of assistant/associate deans are formally evaluated, although as many as 27 percent may lack formal job descriptions. Some recommended best practices for performance appraisal are being used in a majority of colleges. Examples of these best practices are having at least yearly appraisals, holding face-to-face meetings, and setting specific, personal performance objectives/benchmarks for assistant/associate deans. Still, there is much room to improve appraisals by incorporating other recommended practices. Relatively high levels of overall satisfaction were reported by both assistant/associate deans and deans for the process and outcomes of appraisals. Assistant/associate deans rated the value of appraisals to overall development lower than did deans. Qualitative data revealed definite opinions about what constitutes effective and ineffective appraisals, including the use of goal-setting, timeliness, and necessary commitment. Several critical issues related to the results are discussed: differences in perspectives on performance reviews, the importance of informal feedback and job descriptions, the influence of an assistant/associate deans' lack of tenure, and the length of service of deans. Lastly, recommendations for enhancing performance evaluations are offered.
ISSN
0022-0337
Rights
Reprinted by permission of Journal of Dental Education, Volume 72, Issue 4 (April 2008). Copyright 2008 by the American Dental Education Association. http://www.jdentaled.org
Recommended Citation
Dunning, David G.; Durham, Timothy M.; Aksu, Mert N.; and Lange, Brian M., "The state of the art in evaluating the performance of assistant and associate deans as seen by deans and assistant and associate deans." (2008). Journal Articles: College of Dentistry. 3.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cod_articles/3