This paper continues discussion about the philosophy of educational administration and includes what the writer suggests is a reasonable basis for such a philosophy. The writer…
Abstract
This paper continues discussion about the philosophy of educational administration and includes what the writer suggests is a reasonable basis for such a philosophy. The writer starts from positions stated in past publications of the Journal of Educational Administration written about the same subject. C.G. Austin and E.F. Zeigler, contributors to previous Journal issues, are quoted and their views supported. The writer of the article extends their contributions with a presentation of E.J. Carnell's concept of rectitude as a necessary ingredient in the administrative process. The author treats theory in the context of mere explanation suggesting that the theory‐practice dichotomy is due to theory's exclusion of key ingredients. Further, quality administration, it is stated, must be based on culturally recognized Tightness. If this key ingredient is omitted the quality of educational administration in particular will suffer and continue to be based upon political considerations. In the article philosophy is presented as a scientific and a normative discipline which lays the foundation of scientific methods of investigation. Thus, in terms of theoretical development, it is imperative to consider and include philosophic concepts at the base, and primarily, concepts which are culturally based. An extension of this discussion includes the issue of legitimacy. In this, J. Habermas is quoted on the mismatch of theory to practice, with the consequent deterioration of legitimacy. The distinction between legal and rightful legitimacy is discussed suggesting support of the concept of cultural rectitude in administration.
The universities have traditionally seen as one of their major functions the preparation of persons for the higher professions. Though the definition of high profession has been…
Abstract
The universities have traditionally seen as one of their major functions the preparation of persons for the higher professions. Though the definition of high profession has been expanded in recent decades to include a wide spectrum of occupations ranging all the way from forestry to accountancy and including various kinds of administration, whether it be business or hospital or school, the universities hate been very slow in recognising university administration as an area requiring their attention. Universities provide preparation for many professions including those relating to administration, but they have been slow to develop courses to meet the requirements of their own complex administrative systems. The reason for this lies in an outmoded perspective of the modern university. In Australia, programmes of training are now being introduced. Some of these are examined and described.
Using models of social behaviour in small organizations developed by J. W. Getzels and E. G. Guba, an attempt has been made to investigate the role expectations of the members of…
Abstract
Using models of social behaviour in small organizations developed by J. W. Getzels and E. G. Guba, an attempt has been made to investigate the role expectations of the members of the governing councils of two Australian universities whose membership was drawn from academic, government and business circles. It was found that not only were the expectations of the members about the functions of the body itself and of themselves fewer than might be expected, but also, arising from the membership patterns, there were important areas of the institution's functions where expectations were in opposition. There appear to be fruitful areas for research not only into the rationale for the commonly accepted membership pattern of university governing councils but also into ways of increasing their effectiveness.
Erin Richmond, Robert McColm, Marie McCaig and Vikki Binnie
In support of the national requirement “to ensure that Scotland has a workforce that is fully aware of the impact of trauma, and is equipped to respond appropriately to people who…
Abstract
Purpose
In support of the national requirement “to ensure that Scotland has a workforce that is fully aware of the impact of trauma, and is equipped to respond appropriately to people who have experienced trauma at any age”, Trauma Awareness Training was delivered to various public sector organisations across Dumfries and Galloway. Research has shown that trauma can significantly impact quality of life (Svanberg, Bonney and McNair, 2011; Bentall et al., 2014). A trauma-informed practice workshop was created and evaluated in response to a need for training within public services for individuals working with clients whom have experienced trauma.
Design/methodology/approach
From May 2018 to December 2019, 10 one-day Trauma-Awareness Training courses were delivered, engaging 224 public service workers from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire Service, Relationship Scotland, Shelter Scotland and DandG Council staff working with trauma-experienced individuals. The training was delivered via PowerPoint, short videos, whiteboard explanations/drawings and case examples. The morning workshop concentrated on defining psychological trauma, understanding the psychological process of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the subsequent consequences. The afternoon session focussed primarily on complex PTSD, the role of adverse childhood experiences, attachment and emotional regulation/dysregulation and trauma-focused working with the wider multi-disciplinary workforce. The training concluded with participants developing strategies for coping with trauma. Participants were asked to complete three questionnaires: pre-training questionnaire on perceived knowledge of trauma and delivering trauma practice. Post-training questionnaire on perceived knowledge of trauma and delivering trauma practice to assess change and training evaluation. A third questionnaire was issued seven months after training to establish the impact of training on practice.
Findings
Findings evidence a positive impact on person-centred care. In terms of quality improvement, participants felt: The training was relevant across services and raised awareness of the importance of trauma-informed practice. They had a greater awareness of trauma-related issues with individuals. Confident in implementing learned skills to assist those who have experience of trauma. They could build better relationships with their service users, with patients feeling more understood.
Originality/value
Project findings identified a need for multi-organisational working and consultancy from psychological services to improve access to services. Ultimately, brief trauma-awareness training for staff can lead to more positive experiences for patients.
Recently I remarked that my collection of Caithnessiana is diminishing to the point of invisibility, but no longer had that been said than a copy of David Morrison's The idealist…
Abstract
Recently I remarked that my collection of Caithnessiana is diminishing to the point of invisibility, but no longer had that been said than a copy of David Morrison's The idealist landed on my desk and reopened the whole question of what is happening on the literary scene in the far North. More, in fact than I had suspected. Some of it stems from atomic energy at Dounreay and the growth of Thurso as a dormitory for the Dounreay staff.
Sean Murphy, Daniel L. Friesner, Robert Rosenman, Carin S. Waslo, Johnathan Au and Emanuel Tanne
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can be a debilitating disorder that is difficult to identify and treat. Failure to adequately manage IIH symptoms may force patients to…
Abstract
Purpose
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can be a debilitating disorder that is difficult to identify and treat. Failure to adequately manage IIH symptoms may force patients to present at emergency departments (EDs) seeking symptom relief. The purpose of this paper is to empirically characterize ED use by previously diagnosed IIH patients.
Design/methodology/approach
Patients diagnosed with IIH, and who registered with the Intracranial Hypertension Registry by 2014, were solicited for study inclusion. A survey was designed to elicit ED use during the period 2010–2012. Information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, IIH signs and symptoms, time since diagnosis, perspectives of ED use and quality of life was collected. Quality of life was assessed using an adaptation of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric hypothesis tests.
Findings
In total, 39 percent of IIH patients used emergency services over the study period; those that did used the services intensely. These patients were more likely to be non-white, live in households making less than $25,000 annually, have public insurance and have received a diversional shunt procedure. Patients who used the ED were less likely to live in households making $100,000, or more, annually and have private insurance. Participants who used the ED had significantly lower quality-of-life scores, were younger and had been diagnosed with IIH for less time.
Originality/value
ED staff and outside physicians can utilize the information contained in this study to more effectively recognize the unique circumstances of IIH patients who present at EDs.