Is it Leadership or Management (2004)

Two somewhat confused and possibly misused terms in higher education today are and Many times, word leadership or leader substituted for what really management or manager, and vice versa. Our goal explore concepts of leadership and management and provide some observations as what we need in our enrollment management and services offices of today. Defining Leadership and Management First, let's explore two terms by reviewing what dictionaries provide as definitions of leadership and management. LEADERSHIP As defined in The American Heritage Dictionary (2000) The position or office of leader: ascended leadership of party. Capacity or ability lead: showed strong leadership during her first term in office. A group of leaders: met with leadership of nation's top unions. Guidance; direction: The business prospered under leadership of new president. As defined in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1998) The office of leader. As defined in WordNet® 1.6 (1997) The activity of leading. The body of people who lead group; the national leadership adopted his plan. The status of leader; they challenged his leadership of union. The ability lead: he believed that leadership can be taught. MANAGEMENT As defined in The American Heritage Dictionary (2000) The act, manner, or practice of managing; handling, supervision, or control: management of crisis; management of factory workers. The person or persons who control or direct business or other enterprise. Skill in managing; executive ability. As defined in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1998) * The act or art of managing; manner of treating, directing, carrying on, or using, for purpose; conduct; administration; guidance; control; as, management of family or of farm; management of state affairs. * Business dealing; negotiation; arrangement. * Judicious use of means accomplish an end; conduct directed by art or address; skillful treatment; cunning practice; - often in bad sense. * The collective body of those who manage or direct enterprise or interest; board of managers. As defined in WordNet® 1.6 (1997) * The act of managing something; he was given overall management of program; is direction of economy function of government? * Those in charge of running business. The definitions of leadership reference term leader and lead. In essence, leadership refers act of leading or being leader, which defined in WordNet® as a person who rules or guides or inspires others.The definitions of management utilize term manage and managing. The term manage, as verb, defined in Webster's as to direct affairs; carry on business or affairs; administer. In addition traditional dictionary definitions, there are number of leadership experts who express their notions of leadership and management. Hersey and Blanchard (1993) define leadership as any time one attempts influence behavior of an individual or group, and management as working with and through individuals and groups and other resources accomplish organizational goals (pg 5). Thus according these definitions, leadership and management are two very different concepts, and are not easily interchangeable. Author Observations If you have ever visited leadership or management section of book store, you know that there are hundreds of authors, concepts, and ideas on subject. Tom Peters and John C. Maxwell are viewed by many as gurus in areas of leadership; while Peter Drucker and Richard Parson answer management questions. Each of authors we will discuss provides some interesting observations on leadership and management today. …