Throughout this course, many opportunities are available to post an initial response to a Discussion topic as well as to respond to your classmates’ responses. After you have completed the reading, and without reviewing your classmates' responses, post your initial response to the following Discussion. Your post should be at least 300 words in length and should extend the discussion of the group supported by your course materials and/or other appropriate resources. After you have submitted your initial post, review some of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two of your classmates. Refer to your Discussion Board Rubric in your Syllabus for specific grading explanation.

Foundations for Leadership and Management

This discussion will allow you to apply leadership and management styles to a higher education scenario.

Scenario: Davis-Stone College (DSC) is a small, undergraduate institution with approximately 2,500 students. Its reputation is built on the quality of its curriculum, primarily in the arts and sciences. Graduates are well respected and generally have little trouble finding employment after graduation. After 23 years of service, the president recently retired. The board of trustees hired a new president, Dr. Young. The board has tentatively approved an initiative for institutional members to reflect on possibilities for a new mission and vision of the college, which could radically alter the direction of DSC. This could include new academic programs, greater diversity of students and faculty, expansive community outreach, and a different focus for teaching, research, and service.

For this discussion, assume the role of a senior leader on Dr. Young’s team, and reflect on how institutional changes would be impacted by different leadership and management styles. Outline how the management operations would be different, what are your thoughts about the direction of the institution from a leadership versus a management point of view.

For example, you may want DSC to remain as it is. On the other hand, you may see it evolving into a research university. You may even anticipate it reducing enrollments and developing into a small, elite college. Discuss the strengths needed for institutional change as a manager versus leader.