Effective Communication for District and School Administrators (eBook)

Theodore J. Kowalski is Professor and the Kuntz Family Endowed Chair in Educational Administration at the University of Dayton. A former teacher, principal, superintendent, and college dean, he is the author of 31 books and approximately200 book chapters, journal articles, and research studies.

PrefaceChapter 1: Communication BasicsIntroductionCommunication CharacteristicsFormFlowStatusActionSymmetryTheoretical PerspectivesClassical theoriesHuman relations theoriesSystems theoriesSynthesisReflective questionsChapter 2: Communicating CompetentlyIntroductionCommunicative behaviorInstitutional dimensionPersonal dimensionAvoiding common problemsInsufficient forethoughtOrganizational constraintsPersonal constraintsInadequate evaluationComplementary and Relational CommunicationCommunicative competenceSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 3: Leadership and RelationshipsIntroductionUnderstanding LeadershipLeadership, management, and administrationFormal versus informal leadershipImportance of RelationshipsCommunicative behavior and relationshipsRelationships matterSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 4: Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Critical ThinkingIntroductionProblem SolvingProblem framingStagesDecision MakingTypes of decisionsGroup decision makingCritical ThinkingLanguage and communicationReflectionSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 5: Organizational CommunicationIntroductionSchools as Loosely Coupled OrganizationsSchools and couplingAdvantages and disadvantages of loose couplingContemporary perspectiveCommunication NetworksFormal versus informal networksBridges or buffersBeneficial propertiesConstructing and applying evidenceEvaluating networksSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 6: School Governance and Democratic AdministrationIntroductionCitizen Involvement in School GovernanceDemocratic localismRepresentative democracyCurrent conditionsDemocratic AdministrationHistorical contextThe second coming Democratic administration and communicationSynthesisReflective Questions Chapter 7: Climate, Culture, and the Learning OrganizationIntroductionSchool Climate Elements Closed and open climatesSchool CultureElementsEffectsCulture and communicationWhy culture change is difficultSchool as a Learning OrganizationOrganizational learningA learning cultureSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 8: Initiating and Sustaining Planned ChangeIntroductionContemporary School Reform1983-1989Post 1989Change ProcessesEmpirical-rationalPower-coerciveNormative-reeducativeProcess Issues: Involvement and CommunicationInclusivenessCommunicating appropriatelySynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 9: School PartnershipsIntroductionUnderstanding PartnershipsDefinitionLevels of AutonomyOperational CharacteristicsMotivesCommunity stakeholdersEducatorsCollaborating organizations/groupsWhy Partnerships Succeed or FailEffective PracticesPotential PitfallsSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 10: Managing ConflictIntroductionOrganizational ConflictDefining conflictConflict in schoolsSources, Types, and ContaminantsSources and typesContaminantsManagement System and StrategiesSystemStrategiesConflict Management and CommunicationSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 11: Conducting a Referendum CampaignIntroductionKey Administrative ResponsibilitiesVerifying the needMarketing Conducting the CampaignOrganizationProcessPotential pitfallsEvaluating outcomesImportance of CommunicationSynthesisReflective QuestionsChapter 12: Relationships with Media PersonnelIntroductionWorking with JournalistsPreparationMaking relationships positiveInitiating Media CoveragePress releasesPress conferencesElectronic Media InterviewsVideoAudioCrisis CommunicationBefore the crisisDuring the crisisAfter the crisisSynthesisReflective Questions