Management And Development Of Fauclty: Humanistic Caring And Self Actualization

Colleges and universities that wish to maintain a vital, professional workforce must be cognizant of the powerful forces that influence faculty members. The development of faculty relates to policies and practices which accommodate the varying needs of colleagues at all stages in their academic careers.From a management point of view, problems in the workforce are usually (often) a result of poor management. From a psychological point of view, any proposed reforms should respect the dignity and humanistic needs (human qualities) of everyone in the workforce; otherwise, any new reforms are destined to fail.Recent reforms in Chinese colleges and universities related to evaluation and employment have drawn great attention and caused much anxiety. The traditional university campus is no longer the faculty's beloved homeland. Instead, the relationship between universities and their faculties is becoming more business-like and contract oriented. Criticisms on such reforms are openly discussed in forums and reported widely in academic periodicals.As a result of disappointment on previous reforms, there has been an impetus to change/improve various management theories and strategies. It seems that the most intuitive factors, human nature and the need for self actualization, have been completely ignored.This dissertation focuses on the study of management and the development of faculty from the point of view of recognizing their needs and their need for self actualization.First, this dissertation will look back at the last 100 years in history and the ways Chinese universities and colleges used their faculties. It will reveal that educational institutions routinely used their faculties as instruments to develop educational policies rather than encouraging personal growth and self development.Secondly, this dissertation will make an interpretation on humanity, humanistic caring and the importance of self actualization. When comparing traditional Chinese and Western universities and how they utilize their faculties, Western educational institutions are characterized by diversity and complexity. However, Chinese regulations in universities are still inflexible and mechanical as they do not reflect the modern wishes of faculty. Attention must not only be given to work performance and excellence of an individual but also to work satisfaction. Strategic career planning, further education and opportunities for self actualization would help all individuals to develop and enhance their personal qualities and goals.Finally, this dissertation will look at some situations in Western universities to illustrate that humanistic caring and self actualization are achievable and not as difficult as we might think. Effective strategies to revitalize faculties and enhance their performances will be suggested taking into account these special characteristics and goals.