Portraits in Leadership: Six Extraordinary University Presidents (American Council on Education/Oryx Press Series on Higher Education) Book

Leading complex organizations is never easy or simple. In this book, the author uses the university as the organizational vehicle through which to examine the phenomenon of leadership and followership in complex entities. The unique characteristics of universities as organizations are methodically discussed and the leadership experiences of six well-known university presidents are expertly analyzed within an original framework or model of leadership. Just as John Kennedy?s Profiles in Courage considered the notion of political courage within the institutional setting of Congress, this book explores leadership within the context of the modern American university. The particular roles of persuasion (rather than domination or power) and communication are highlighted and the author skillfully weaves the principal patterns from each of the six case studies to the specific situational conditions that faced these extraordinary individuals. Professor Padilla details what accomplished leaders actually do to motivate and to orchestrate change within their organizations. He also offers valuable suggestions on how to improve selection of leaders and increase organizational effectiveness.Read More