Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

This quantitative study examined the communication preferences of superintendents and public school board members. The data for this study were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics, t test, and one-way ANOVAs. All public school superintendents and school board members in Indiana were eligible to participate in this study. This study administered a survey to all public school superintendents and school board members in Indiana. A total of 271 participants responded, 84 superintendents and 187 school board members. The survey measured the preferred methods and frequency of communication by superintendents and school board members. The survey was tested for reliability using a Cronbach's alpha test, the result of this test was a .748, demonstrating strong reliability. Superintendents and school board members completed an on-line survey, which provided descriptive and inferential data for this study. Descriptive data were used to address Research Questions 1, 2, and 3. These questions focused on the preferences of communication skills and methods between superintendents and school board members. Research Question 4 utilized an independent sample t test to determine if there was a significant difference in regard to position type. Research Questions 5 and 6 utilized one-way ANOVAs to determine the differences in location and longevity. In conducting the research, there were significant differences between the urban respondents and their other two counterparts, rural and suburban. In each case, the urban respondents reported significantly less importance with regard to communication. The suburban and rural communication composite scores were not found to be significantly different. There were no significant differences on the communication composite scores based on the longevity of the position which the person held.

Download

Share

COinS