Leading beyond the Script: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Preparedness of Pharmacy Academic Administrators.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Academic Administration
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• Limited research addresses the preparedness of pharmacy academic administrators.
• Understanding their self-perceptions is crucial for effective leadership development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the self-perceived preparedness and leadership skills of pharmacy academic administrators in the U.S.
• To identify specific areas of low preparedness and examine gender-based differences.
• To understand the strategies employed for leadership skill development.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 193 pharmacy academic administrators (deans, chairs, etc.).
• Data collected on demographics, role preparedness, leadership skills, and development strategies.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

• Administrators reported lowest preparedness in entrepreneurial revenue and grievance handling.
• Men reported higher preparedness than women in performance reviews, financial management, and revenue generation.
• Gender differences were observed in micromanagement perceptions, with men rating themselves lower.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy academic administrators identify key areas needing development, particularly financial and conflict resolution skills.
• Significant gender-based disparities in preparedness and leadership perceptions necessitate tailored interventions.
• Seeking advice and professional development programs are common strategies, with gendered preferences observed.