The ‘As If’ Faculty/Student Advocate

Abstract

The ‘As If Faculty/Student Advocate’ is, fortunately, an infrequently encountered type of educational administrator, but one whose presence can be disconcerting and befuddling. S/he is described in terms of demographic, emotional, behavioural and interpersonal characteristics, underscoring this individual’s less than fully authentic concern for others. This administrative personality type is then related to psychological theories of narcissism, obsessive-compulsive personality, and aggression. Key constructs of self-psychology—the self, mirroring and maintenance of self-esteem—are employed to understand the underlying fears and motivations of the As If Faculty/Student Advocate.