Exposing The "Culture Of Arrognace" In The Academy

by Thompson, Gail L.; Louque, Angela C.

• ISBN13: 9781579221133
• ISBN10: 1579221130
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-24
• Publisher: Stylus Pub Llc

Summary

There generally remains a gulf between the way most Black faculty perceive the racial climate at their institutions and the recognition by non-Black faculty and administrators that there are problems and that these perceptions have merit. This book is intended to promote a productive dialogue. This book weaves the authors' own experiences with the responses of 136 Black faculty to a questionnaire, and a smaller sample who were interviewed, to identify the factors that determine Black faculty's satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their jobs and institutions. Recurring themes underscore the importance of a supportive work environment that is built on mutual respect, full inclusion in the decision-making process, and an institutional climate that does not tolerate cultural insensitivity or racism. The qualitative and quantitative information and the authors' conclusions can help postsecondary institutions improve Black faculty satisfaction levels, and ultimately, retention rates. This book will resonate with any Black faculty who have felt frustrated enough to consider leaving a postsecondary institution and with those who are content at their current institutions. For non-Black faculty and for administrators of all races, the book illuminates the sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, explains the reasons their Black colleagues leave or stay, and offers valuable recommendations for change. For anyone, at any level, interested in the issue of the racial climate at his or her institution, this book offers a constructive framework for discussion and action

Author Biography

Gail L. Thompson, an associate professor at the Claremont Graduate University Angela C. Louque, the department chair of Educational Leadership and Curriculum at California State University, San Bernardino, and full professor of Education, is a former school administrator who conducts workshops and gives presentations at local, regional and national education conferences

Table of Contents

Tables	xi
Introduction: Honoring Our Need to Speak About Controversial Issues	1	(14)
To Remain or to Leave? That is the ``Question''	15	(26)
Factors Affecting Black Faculty's Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction Levels at Their Current Institution
All I'm Asking is for a ``Little'' Respect at Work	41	(24)
The Importance of Feeling Valued and Respected
Wanted: A Supportive Work Environment	65	(20)
Did This Package Come With Instructions?	85	(20)
How the Unwritten ``Rules'' of the Academy Can Affect Black Faculty
Coping With Cultural Insensitivity and Sometimes Just Plain Stupidity in the Academy	105	(16)
The ``R Word''	121	(30)
Facing Racism's Ugly Reality in the Academy
The Bright Side of the Academy	151	(20)
Sources of Satisfaction and Recommendations from Black Faculty
Conclusion: Calling All Courageous Leaders!	171	(8)
References	179	(10)
Index	189