ABSTRACT
Few concepts are as widely discussed in the literature of organizations as leadership. Although perspectives on the topic may differ somewhat from one author to another, there is widespread agreement that leadership is the cornerstone of excellence in any organization. in the context of higher education, the primary function of leadership and governance is, in the words of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, to help an organization “realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves”. The challenges facing higher education leaders are arguably among the most daunting anywhere. Individuals in leadership roles in colleges and universities must be cognizant of institutional and external challenges, local and institutional goals and priorities, and diverse and sometimes irreconcilable stakeholder expectations. in many cases, leaders have limited resources and few incentives to offer to advance their goals, to promote new initiatives, or to foster significant change or renewal.
