Organizational Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that the analysis of organizational leadership, whether of a classroom, school, or school district, is an important tool of self-criticism for any person involved in the educational system. The paper looks at the so-called "McDonaldization" of the American curriculum which involves mass produced tests and textbooks and requires a mass produced approach to teaching, rather than the creationg of a unique community of learners. The paper explains that a good educational leader will not reiterate where the school should be statistically, but assess the abilities of the students in order to work in a positive direction.

From the Paper:

"Leadership is necessary, even in the most rigid bureaucratic environment. According to theories of organizational systems, the public school system seems on its surface to be like a Weber-style bureaucracy, with different kinds of employees that perform specific functions. It is characterized by specialization, subdivision, and hierarchy (principals perform different functions than teachers, for example, and, in general, administrators have more authority than teachers) (Jaffe, 2001, Chapter 5). Entry into a school's hierarchy is based upon professional and technical competency, demonstrated in a formalized fashion, and promotions are based upon seniority and skills."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jaffee, David. Organization Theory: Tension and Change. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
• Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Theory and Practice. 4th edition. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2007

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