Organizational Change and Change Leadership

Abstract

Schools are complex social systems with multiple publics--change takes time. In addition to having plans for change, critical issues impacting change need consideration, such as commitment of the chief executive officer, development of "shared meaning," and dealing with uncertainty. Leaders of change have a projection of what "ought to be"; they stay with the organization throughout a change project; and, with followers, they develop values and beliefs. Furthermore, successful change leaders lead with authority rather than power and emphasize training functions of leaders. Change leaders work predominantly in informal dimensions of organizations.