Jackson, J. F. (2001). Retention of African American Administrators at Predominantly White Institutions: Using Professional Growth Factors To Inform the Discussion.

This study explored the concept of retention as it relates to African American administrators at predominantly white institutions, focusing on professional growth factors that predominantly white institutions can target to facilitate retention of African American administrators. Motivation-Hygiene Theory was used to determine methods of retention within the categories of hygiene factors and motivator factors. The Delphi study was conducted from an interpretivist perspective. Six male and four female African American administrators at the dean level and above participated. Findings suggest that the most important step in addressing professional growth needs is ensuring that the administrators is given the authority to make decisions within the job description. Also important were establishing mentoring programs and providing release time and funding for research, scholarship, and professional development. It is important to enable the administrator to develop knowledge about the institution by broadening his or her participation beyond diversity-related committees and functions. Providing a full range of leadership opportunities is helpful, as is providing the financial support for attendance at professional meetings. These recommendations may also help in the retention of administrators from other minority groups. (Contains 54 references.) (SLD)

Full article can be found here:

http://ibrarian.net/navon/paper/Running_head__PROFESSIONAL_GROWTH_FACTORS.pdf?paperid=1482499