Higher Education discussion 4

Discussion: In the Middle

In this week’s video, Dr. Adrianna Kezar, professor at the University of Southern California, discusses ways in which middle-level leaders can lead and support change at their institutions. In Chapter 22 of the course text (McClellan & Stringer, 2016), Stringer discusses the influences of the political environment in which higher education professionals work.

Assignment

· In what ways might political issues work against or undermine collaborative leadership strategies such as those Kezar recommends?

· Post  an example of an experience in which you were required to navigate a complex political environment at your institution.

· Explain how the politics of your institution may have worked against the collaborative leadership practices you were trying to achieve.

Learning Resources

Note:  To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Focus On

As you explore this week's Learning Resources, focus on the complex organizational and political challenges that leaders face in managing and leading change, and ways of overcoming these challenges through enhanced partnerships, communication, and inclusion. Consider the potential sources of conflict within an organization faced with opportunities (or requirements) for change and methods that leaders can use to turn conflict into collaboration.

Required Readings

McClellan, G. S., & Stringer, J. (Eds.). (2016). The handbook of student affairs administration (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Wiley.

· Chapter 22, “The Political Dimensions of Decision Making”

Kezar, A. (2000). Pluralistic leadership: Bringing diverse voices to the table. About Campus, 5(3), 6–11.

 

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.

Pluralistic leadership. About Campus, 5(3) by Kezar, A. Copyright 2000 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Tierney, W. G. (2001). Overcoming obstacles to reform. About Campus, 6(2), 20–24.

Overcoming obstacles to reform. About Campus, 6(2) by Tierney, W. G. Copyright 2001 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. - JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive producer). (2011). Leading change in student support programs: Change leadership. Baltimore, MD: Author.

 

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 10 minutes.

 

Dr. Adrianna Kezar discusses creating institutional change from the bottom up.