Description
It is an old cliche that leading and managing academics is like herding cats. This book challenges this myth and presents a way to deal with the many challenges of academic leadership, from managing departments, research groups and teams to managing tensions between research and teaching. The book is a practical and stimulating guide to different pathways to successful academic leadership, both in personal and organizational terms.
About the Author
Edited by Adam Lindgreen, Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and Extraordinary Professor, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Alan Irwin, Professor, Flemming Poulfelt, Professor Emeritus and Thyra Uth Thomsen, Professor (WSR),Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Reviews
'Few things - if any - are more important to universities than departments and their capacity to provide the organizational framework for successful scholarly collectives. Hence, department heads are key personnel in any academic institution. How to Lead Academic Departments Successfully offers multiple perspectives and insights into the art and craft of being an effective head of department. The book holds a unique collection of astute and inspirational chapters and the volume should be of great interest to anyone with an interest in academic leadership.' -- Jens Ringsmose, Southern University Denmark
'Few colleagues plan (and prepare) to be an academic leader at the start of their career. But, almost inevitably, many of us will be asked to take up a major leadership role at some point, and often unexpectedly. Managing professionals within a distinct organisational climate, with unique practices and politics, against the backdrop of a dynamic marketplace is no small matter. It is, in fact, often a sink-or-swim experience. But, have no fear, How to Lead Academic Departments Successfully is here. The book is a rich source of information that offers actionable advice and perhaps comfort for those of us who are about to face the challenges of academic leadership or are trying their very best at it every day. The book's content provides lucid and eclectic answers to the question posed its title. It will be an inspiring companion of travel for any colleague on a leadership journey.' -- Ko de Ruyter, King's College London, UK
'This is an important book addressing many central issues regarding how to effectively lead academic departments, thereby also pointing towards what might become the business school/academic institution of the future. The area of managing academic institutions is largely both under-researched as well as being largely void in the literature. The book makes a significant contribution by filling much of this gap. Specifically, it is a major message of the book that firm, clear leadership and strategic vision is called for by department heads (as well as deans and rectors), and thus that the widely shared view that professors should be left to themselves may not be enough!' -- Peter Lorange, IMD and Lorange Network
'Being head of an academic department has not become less challenging in the 21st century with growing and changing demands on the universities from society. Drawing on the collective knowledge and experience of leaders and scholars from the university sector, this book provides a treasure chest of perspectives, ideas and real-life experiences that are both highly relevant and very useful for any current (or future) head of department - and for anyone with an interest in leadership in academia.' -- Nikolaj Malchow Moller, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
'Academic life sometimes appears to be a riddle hidden inside an enigma. Universities should be relevant to the local community, attractive to global students, visible in the finest academic journals, collegial in style yet run by accountable leaders. This hybridized academy is in urgent need of a guide from which the frustrated insider can get consolation and advice. This is the book, drawing on personal experience and a wide range of sources filtered through the analytic lens of seasoned social scientists. A twist of humour makes it even more essential, and it will be of equal importance to the higher education scholar and to the professional in need of perspectives.' -- Mats Benner, Lund University, Sweden
Book Information
ISBN 9781035309030
Author Adam Lindgreen
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
About the Author
Edited by Adam Lindgreen, Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and Extraordinary Professor, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Alan Irwin, Professor, Flemming Poulfelt, Professor Emeritus and Thyra Uth Thomsen, Professor (WSR),Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Reviews
'Few things - if any - are more important to universities than departments and their capacity to provide the organizational framework for successful scholarly collectives. Hence, department heads are key personnel in any academic institution. How to Lead Academic Departments Successfully offers multiple perspectives and insights into the art and craft of being an effective head of department. The book holds a unique collection of astute and inspirational chapters and the volume should be of great interest to anyone with an interest in academic leadership.' -- Jens Ringsmose, Southern University Denmark
'Few colleagues plan (and prepare) to be an academic leader at the start of their career. But, almost inevitably, many of us will be asked to take up a major leadership role at some point, and often unexpectedly. Managing professionals within a distinct organisational climate, with unique practices and politics, against the backdrop of a dynamic marketplace is no small matter. It is, in fact, often a sink-or-swim experience. But, have no fear, How to Lead Academic Departments Successfully is here. The book is a rich source of information that offers actionable advice and perhaps comfort for those of us who are about to face the challenges of academic leadership or are trying their very best at it every day. The book's content provides lucid and eclectic answers to the question posed its title. It will be an inspiring companion of travel for any colleague on a leadership journey.' -- Ko de Ruyter, King's College London, UK
'This is an important book addressing many central issues regarding how to effectively lead academic departments, thereby also pointing towards what might become the business school/academic institution of the future. The area of managing academic institutions is largely both under-researched as well as being largely void in the literature. The book makes a significant contribution by filling much of this gap. Specifically, it is a major message of the book that firm, clear leadership and strategic vision is called for by department heads (as well as deans and rectors), and thus that the widely shared view that professors should be left to themselves may not be enough!' -- Peter Lorange, IMD and Lorange Network
'Being head of an academic department has not become less challenging in the 21st century with growing and changing demands on the universities from society. Drawing on the collective knowledge and experience of leaders and scholars from the university sector, this book provides a treasure chest of perspectives, ideas and real-life experiences that are both highly relevant and very useful for any current (or future) head of department - and for anyone with an interest in leadership in academia.' -- Nikolaj Malchow Moller, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
'Academic life sometimes appears to be a riddle hidden inside an enigma. Universities should be relevant to the local community, attractive to global students, visible in the finest academic journals, collegial in style yet run by accountable leaders. This hybridized academy is in urgent need of a guide from which the frustrated insider can get consolation and advice. This is the book, drawing on personal experience and a wide range of sources filtered through the analytic lens of seasoned social scientists. A twist of humour makes it even more essential, and it will be of equal importance to the higher education scholar and to the professional in need of perspectives.' -- Mats Benner, Lund University, Sweden
Book Information
ISBN 9781035309030
Author Adam Lindgreen
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
