ERIC Number: EJ974351
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2155-9635
EISSN: N/A
Using Physiological Metaphors to Understand and Lead Organizations
Larson, William; Hostiuck, Katherine; Johnson, Jerry
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, v6 n4 Oct-Dec 2011
This conceptual paper suggests and elaborates on the use of physiological metaphors pertaining to the systems and parts of the body as an approach for fostering an understanding of organizational theories among students of educational administration. The importance of this pursuit is related to the recognition that the students often reject the value of theories, that theories can be used to acquire substantive organizational knowledge, and that a comprehension of organizations is needed to lead districts and schools in the quest for achievement of their goals. The value of such understandings is based upon the work of theorists (Deming, 1993, 2000; Senge, 2001, 2006), in which conceptual constructs have been offered to substantiate the claim that the success or failure of organizations (e.g., districts and schools) to achieve their goals is influenced significantly by the ways in which they are structured.
Descriptors: Educational Administration, Administrator Education, School Organization, Organizational Theories, Theory Practice Relationship, Figurative Language, Physiology, Human Body, Systems Approach, Leadership, Institutional Mission, Group Structure, Decision Making, Power Structure, Organizational Culture
NCPEA Publications. Web site: http://www.ncpeapublications.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A