Program to Strengthen Transformational Leadership for Middle- Level Administrators of Art Universities in Western China

The objectives of this research were- 1) to explore existing situations and desirable situations on transformational leadership of middle-level administrators of art universities; and 2) to develop a program to strengthen transformational leadership for middle-level administrators of Art Universities. Mixed methods research was employed, which was divided into two phases- Phase 1 was exploring existing situations, desirable situations on transformational leadership of middle-level administrators. The samples were 355 faculty staff, including 24 deans and 331 teachers. The research instrument was a 5-rating scale questionnaire. Phase 2 was developing a program to strengthen the transformational leadership of middle-level administrators. The informants were 5 middle-level administrators who are outstanding on transformational leadership, and 7 experts evaluating the program. Research instruments were an interview form and a program evaluation form. Statistics used were mean, standard deviation, and modified priority needs index. The research results were- 1) the existing situation of transformational leadership of middle-level administrators was at a high level. While the desirable situation was at a very high level; and 2) Program to strengthen transformational leadership of middle-level administrators of art universities comprising 2.1) Rationale, 2.2) Objectives- to educate and develop middle-level administrators on transformational leadership, 2.3) Content consists of 4 modules- idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, 2.4) development methods divided into two stages. Stage 1 is a workshop, and Stage 2 is on-the-job development by operating the activities for continuous improvement of transformational leadership through the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, 2.5) Media and learning resources, and 2.6) Measurement and evaluation consists of the tests for pre and post workshop, an evaluation form of transformational leadership, and an observation form. An evaluation of a program was at the highest level in propriety, feasibility, and utility.