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An assessment of the multiculturalism of administrators in one institution of higher education
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess current levels of multiculturalism among administrators in one institution of higher education. In order to secure the necessary information in answering the research questions this study required the use of the Personal Multicultural Assessment Instrument (PMA) in assessing the current levels of multicultural life experience, attitude, personal behavior, and professional behavior of the administrators with a total population of (N = 188). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlational analysis (Pearson's r), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the study indicate that the administrators are in different stages regarding their levels of multiculturalism. On the life experience subscale, the scores were the lowest, an indication that respondents were beginning to question their views on different cultures and stereotypes that preceded or guided their behavior. The personal attitude subscale results showed gains over the administrators' life experiences, an indication that respondents were beginning to explore the meaning of diversity and take a more critical perspective on previously held beliefs. However, the highest scores were demonstrated in the category of personal and professional behavior, which was an indication of the administrators' interactions with others on substantial cultural issues. Respondents' exploration of understanding multiculturalism appeared to be self-motivated and beyond the mandate of job or institution. The overall results of this study indicated that the majority of the administrators have moved from a lower level of multiculturalism in their life experience to a higher level, that of becoming advocates for multiculturalism in their personal and professional behavior. The results also indicated that all the subscales were highly correlated at the.01 level. Correlation relationships were found between years of administrative experience and income, and educational level and income. International travel was positively correlated with educational level; administrators have traveled extensively beyond their culture of origin. This demonstrates that individuals have had exposure to cultures beyond their culture of origin. However, only a small number have spent time on the continent of Africa.
Subject Area
School administration|Higher education
Recommended Citation
Ojikutu, Olakunle, "An assessment of the multiculturalism of administrators in one institution of higher education" (1995). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9611065.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9611065