Educational institution scan be viewed through multiple lenses, like those offered by Morgan (1998). The various "images" of organizations Morgan (1998) offers allows for strategic insight and critical evaluation of an educational organization struggling to meet the needs of a diverse student body. By applying the lessons learned in case studies like the Multicom case, it is possible to develop solutions to issues like the James Clark story at David Woods Elementary School. Additional lenses or images of organizations include the Biblical perspective. Although not discussed directly by Morgan (1998), a Biblical perspective lends insight into how educators and members of the community can work together towards common goals.
James is a student who, in a classical organizational framework, would be considered a "client." However, an educational organization is different from a for-profit business. James is not a client in the way a customer might be for a telecommunications company or even for a private for-profit educational institution. In this case, David Woods Elementary School is a public institution, funded by taxpayers and serving the public in ways that transcend profit. The goals of public education include creating a better society by developing the young minds that will be the future leaders of the nation and the world. With this ultimate organizational mission and vision statement in mind, the administrators of David Woods Elementary can apply a Biblical perspective right alongside the structural, systems, cultural, and political lenses. Leaders need to be honest in their self-assessment, both of their own individual work and contributions to the organization and also with regards to honest evaluation of the organization's performance. In this case, the school administrators need to perform some quantitative and qualitative analyses on their students to keep track of the root causes and consequences of psychological or social difficulties experienced by students. An honest evaluation of the organization will reveal weaknesses in the educational structure, pedagogy, learning environment, or resources used in the classroom. Similarly, community leaders can be called upon to participate in a strategic foresight action committee in order to promote the values and ideals that promote student success.
Michel (2005) stresses the importance of strategic foresight in Biblical leadership. Strategic foresight involves keeping in mind the central mission of the organization and its
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Leaders in educational institutions can be viewed through a Biblical lens as servant-leaders or as spiritual stewards. As Oberholster (1993) suggests, stewardship in a Christian perspective means being accountable to all stakeholders. In this case, the educators and educational administrators are accountable to students like James, the parents of all students, and to all residents of the community. Spiritual leaders also remain humble in all situations; instead of blaming James or his…
drug addiction and related behavioral problems evident in young children at public schools. An organizational behavior perspective can shed light on the causes and solutions to this problem. David Wood Elementary School can use some of the tools available from a Biblical perspective of organizational behavior in order to help students like James. A Biblical perspective can parallel any of the "images of organization" that Morgan (2006) proposes, but
In Baltimore, one high school is in the spotlight for having one of the highest graduation rates in the city while having no students proficient in math (Papst, 2017). This discovery was made by Project Baltimore and reveals information indicating that schools are changing the grades of students to enable them to graduate. The article by Papst (2017) describes how some teachers in the high school are shocked by the
Christian Church acknowledges its missionary function as truly the core of Christianity, the heart of the Church. Through Christ's teachings, mission is the foreground of His legacy to the Church, the instrument for redemption. The guiding principles at the basis of the Church's mission exist as transparently related by the Bible which in itself transcends all worldly knowledge and phenomena. God, as the Holy Trinity, reveals Himself through the
A moral compass refers to the attributes that individuals and groups use to guide their lives with a sense of purpose and direction.[footnoteRef:2] Although different faiths subscribe to various types of “moral compass points,” the moral compass advocated by the United Methodist Church provides a useful example that can be used to gain a better understanding concerning its purpose and tenets as well as how these can help improve people’s
Research Paper: Leadership Skills � Thesis Statement and Annotated BibliographyThesis statement: The biblical account of Moses represents a valuable case study in effective leadership, as he exhibited a transformational and servant leadership style that motivated and inspired his followers to achieve their full potential, while also adapting his approach to different situations; however, his failings, such as his lack of confidence and communication problems, serve as important reminders of the
Chapter One�IntroductionOverviewThis chapter provides an overview of the research problem and presents the research questions and objectives. It also discusses the significance of the study and provides a brief description of the methodology that will be used. Finally, it provides research questions that will guide this study as well as definitions that will help to clarify terms.BackgroundEthical leadership is a critical topic in today�s organizations, given the increasing complexity of