Attributional style as a factor in academic department chair communication

The purpose of this study was to identify attributional styles (AS) of academic department chairs. Attributional style is the repeatable pattern of personal explanation for other\u27s behavior and was examined through the underlying dimensions of locus of control, stability, controllability, globality, and intentionality. Measurement of these dimensions was accomplished through the administration of the Chair Attributional Style Questionnaire (CASQ). AS results were examined for significant correlations with departmental effectiveness, future departmental effectiveness, attitude toward change, and the effects of positive versus negative scenarios. Significant correlations were found in individual departmental scenarios, most notably for locus of control, stability, and controllability, but did not adequately hold together in a factor analysis to warrant generalized conclusions. Results were sufficiently encouraging in this initial application of attributional style to academic department chairs to suggest the value of further study. Future research will require additional efforts to develop psychometrically sound instrumentation