Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of mid-level
administrators in California community colleges, the challenges that they face in their
positions, and more importantly, to explore the learning process that mid-level
administrators engage in to cultivate their leadership skills to address those challenges
and prepare for higher level administrative positions. The study will describe the type of
knowledge and skills that mid-level administrators believed to be necessary in order for
them to be successful as managers. The study will also explore middle managers’
experiences with leadership training and mentoring. Finally, the study will also explore
mid-level administrators’ perception of the leadership resources available to them and
whether the current training programs can prepare them for the next administrative
position.
Research Questions
This dissertation explores the following research questions:
1. What are the leadership and managerial challenges that California community
college mid-level administrators face in their positions?
2. How do community college mid-level administrators develop and cultivate
their leadership skills to address leadership and managerial challenges in California
community college settings?
3. What leadership skills, knowledge, and competencies do mid-level
administrators believe they need in order to be effective in their position as well as their
career overall?
4. What leadership development resources and support do mid-level
administrators feel they would need in order to advance to the next administrative level
position?