Diagnosis:
Power in this case comes from Dr. Smith’s position. As the president of the college, he is the leader of the entire organization and thus his power emanates from this fact. It is safe to assume that position power is given to a person, who shows leadership skills, integrity and has the right qualifications for the job.
In my opinion, power is not appropriately shared in the organization. Dr. Smith has been given too many powers as compared to his fellow faculty members. For example, Dr. James Admit is the admissions director and does not have the power to admit Kevin. In addition, it is evident that Dr. Smith is using his power in an autocratic manner by scrapping education programs that he does not deem fit. It is evident that other faculty members do not have any way to oppose his decisions.
Prescription:
In order to address the weaknesses found in the diagnosis, it is important for the college to form an admissions board where the four parties, Dr. Smith, Dr. Admit, Sid Hoops, and Kevin can sit and discuss issues that surround Kevin’s admission to the college. This will allow every party an equal opportunity to present their argument for or against the admission. The current system where Dr. Smith is the only individual with the power to admit an individual to the college may lead to deserving students missing out. However, an admissions board where everyone has equal powers will critically discuss and negotiate admissions critically.
Reference:
Palestini, R.H. (2011). Educational Administration: Leading with mind and heart (3rd Ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
