Competing on Culture: Driving Change in Community Colleges

Community colleges are under pressure to change in response to shifts in the environment, with contradictory demands for more and better service, increased accountability, and more efficient use of resources. This has led to cultural fragmentation as staff are pulled in competing directions by events beyond their control. Culture is the most powerful element affecting organizational performance and change, and this book provides fresh analysis of organizational culture in the community college context with a critical examination of the relationship between organizational culture and change.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 190 pages
\n Publication date: 30 June 2018
\n Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
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Community colleges are facing significant pressure to adapt and evolve in response to the ever-changing dynamics of their environment. Stakeholders, ranging from government officials to students, parents, and employers, are placing contradictory demands on these institutions. On the one hand, they expect colleges to provide high-quality education and services at affordable prices, while on the other hand, they demand greater accountability and efficiency in the use of resources. These demands have led to a cultural fragmentation within community colleges, as staff members are pulled in different directions by external events beyond their control.

As a result, leaders are realizing that culture is perhaps the most powerful element affecting organizational performance and change. The old adage, "culture eats strategy for breakfast," aptly captures the significance of culture as a means for enhancing the long-term viability of an organization.

This book offers a fresh analysis of organizational culture in the community college context, providing a critical examination of the relationship between organizational culture and change. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for leaders seeking to transform and leverage culture to shape the future of community colleges.

In the first chapter, the book explores the historical and contextual factors that have shaped the culture of community colleges. It examines the role of government policies, demographic changes, and technological advancements in shaping the educational landscape and the challenges and opportunities that these changes have brought.

The second chapter delves into the key elements of organizational culture, including values, beliefs, and assumptions. It explores how these elements influence the behavior and attitudes of staff members and how they can be used to drive change and enhance organizational performance.

The third chapter examines the relationship between organizational culture and change. It explores how culture can be a barrier to change, as well as how it can be leveraged to facilitate and support change efforts. The book provides practical strategies for leaders to transform and leverage culture to drive positive change in their institutions.

In the fourth chapter, the book explores the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture. It examines the qualities and behaviors of effective leaders and how they can create a culture that supports and encourages change. The book also provides practical strategies for leaders to develop their leadership skills and build a culture of collaboration and innovation.

The fifth chapter examines the challenges and opportunities that community colleges face in the 21st century. It explores the need for colleges to adapt to changing student demographics, technological advancements, and global economic trends
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of organizational culture in the community college context. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for leaders seeking to transform and leverage culture to shape the future of these institutions. By understanding the power of culture and applying the strategies outlined in this book, community colleges can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive and complex educational landscape.

\n Weight: 296g\n
Dimension: 154 x 229 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781475834017\n \n