Data-Driven Decision Making Literacy among Rural Community College Leaders in Iowa: The Role of Leadership Competencies

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis quantitative study explored the statistical relationship between American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) leadership competencies and data-driven decision making (DDDM) literacy among rural community college leaders in the Midwest. Specifically, the authors examined how AACC community college leadership competencies may predict the level of DDDM literacy. Based on analyzing survey data of more than 200 community college leaders, the author discovered and tested three DDDM literacy constructs and three AACC leadership competencies constructs. In the subsequent regression analysis, one AACC leadership competency area “Community College Advocacy” and one demographic variable “years in current role” were proved as positive and significant predictors for all three DDDM literacy constructs (i.e., “Culture and Process”, “Governance and Infrastructure”, and “Human Resources”). Another leadership competency area “Organization Strategies” was found to significantly predict two out of the three DDDM literacy constructs (i.e., “Culture and Process” and “Human Resources”). Findings contributed to the literature by filling the research gaps of DDDM in community college context, highlighting the significance of AACC leadership competencies in creating DDDM culture, and providing valid and reliable measures for future studies.