connect some of the theoretical concepts with what happens in the workplace, it is important that your interview focus on the functions of the administrator. The interviews should NOT focus on the person (e.g., personal attributes or personal opinions). An important reason for this is that all research which involves “human subjects” needs to be approved by NAU’s Institutional Review Board. However, if the interview focuses on the organization (and not personal opinions nor personal characteristics) there is no need to have IRB approval.
Your interview should focus on the topics covered in our course. Notably, you might ask:
Budgeting and finances: How does your agency (or department) allocate its financial resources? What are the main sources of revenue and/or expenditure? How has this changed over the past few years?
Human resource management: How does your agency (or department) provide incentives to its employees? How does your agency (or department) seek to recruit the most qualified individuals? How are promotions handled?
Leadership and management: How are decisions made in your agency (or department), and how are those decisions “transmitted” to everyone in the agency? Does your agency (or department) encourage group decision making, and encourage lower-level employees to contribute?
Administrative Reform and Technology: What is the role of technology in your agency (or department)? How has that role expanded over the past few years, and where do you see it going in the next few years?