INTRODUCTION: Leading Strategic Change

Overview 

Welcome to Module 5 of our journey through strategic and financial planning in higher education. This week brings us to a critical juncture: leading strategic change in higher education institutions. Change is not merely an abstract concept – it's a force that shapes the very fabric of educational institutions. From evolving student demographics to technological advancements and societal shifts, the landscape of higher education is constantly in flux. As leaders in this field, it's imperative to not only navigate change but also proactively drive it in alignment with our institutional missions and visions.

In this module, we will explore the intricate process of leading strategic change, drawing upon theories, frameworks, and real-world examples. We'll begin by understanding the essence of strategic leadership through a review and synthesis conducted by Samimi et al. in “What is Strategic Leadership? Developing a Framework for Future Research?” Although focused on the private sector, they provide relatable insights into how top managers and board directors influence organizations, shedding light on the functions, attributes, and organizational-level outcomes associated with strategic leadership.

Next, we'll look at the practical application of Kotter’s eight-step change model in higher education through Kang et al.'s case study of an engineering department at a Hispanic-serving institution in “Guiding Change in Higher Education: An Emergent, Iterative Application of Kotter’s Change Model.”

Finally, we'll explore the human dimensions of the strategic planning process in higher education, as outlined in “The Human Side of the Strategic Planning Process in Higher Education.” From managing resistance to navigating organizational politics, we’ll examine the complexities of engaging stakeholders and fostering a culture conducive to strategic planning and change.

As we work through this module, consider this – change in higher education often evokes mixed emotions and reactions. Reflect on a significant change initiative you've witnessed or been a part of within an educational setting. What were the challenges and successes of this change effort? 

Module Objectives

In this module, the activities, content, and assignments will guide your learning process to ensure you can:

  1. Understand the Principles of Strategic Leadership: By the end of this module, students will be able to analyze and discuss the key functions and attributes of strategic leadership, gaining insights into how leaders influence organizations. (CLO E and F)
  2. Apply Change Management Models to Higher Education Settings: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to evaluate and apply Kotter’s eight-step change model to real-world scenarios in higher education. (CLO E and F)
  3. Navigate the Human Dimensions of Strategic Planning and Change: Students will develop the ability to identify and address the challenges of managing resistance, navigating organizational politics, and fostering stakeholder engagement in the strategic planning and change process within higher education contexts. (CLO E and F)

(CLO) stands for Course Learning Objective. You will find a complete list of Course Learning Objectives in the Syllabus and on the Start Here: Course Overview page. Each Module Objective in this course has its associated course-level objective indicated in parentheses to clarify the relationship between the two.

Module To-Do List

Here's everything you need to do and remember for this module:

  • Read all assigned materials
  • Complete the discussion board assignment
  • Attend Live Session