Academic institutions have long been viewed as bastions of knowledge and personal development, where the values taught are not only theoretical but also practiced daily. However, a growing divergence between the academic principles promoted and the internal management of some institutions can lead to disastrous consequences for their credibility and reputation. This article explores the crucial importance of strengthening the management skills of academic leaders, illustrated by a personal case study within a doctoral program in transpersonal psychology in San Francisco.
A Disappointing Experience at a Renowned Institution
As a student passionate about transpersonal psychology, enrolling in a doctoral program at a renowned institute in San Francisco was an invaluable opportunity. The institution boasted a strong ethical charter, centered on compassion, consciousness elevation, and respect for the individual. However, after a few months of immersion in this program, it became apparent that the management of the institution was in complete contradiction to the teachings it claimed to provide.
The dysfunctions were numerous: missing or false information, canceled appointments without notice, last-minute communications, inappropriate advice, and a total lack of follow-up in registration and re-enrollment processes. This poor management not only negatively impacted the educational experience of the students but also deeply tarnished the image of the institution, once a pioneer in the field of psychology.
The Importance of Consistency Between Teachings and Practices
This gap between the values promoted by the institution and its daily practices highlighted a fundamental problem: the need for effective and ethical management within academic institutions. Inadequate management, as encountered in this specific case, can cause irreparable damage both institutionally and personally.
Students, often drawn by the principles and values advertised by the institution, feel betrayed when they realize that these ideals are not respected in practice. This sense of betrayal is even more acute when it becomes clear that these dysfunctions are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a failing and disengaged management.
Strengthening Management Skills: An Urgency for Academic Leaders
To prevent such situations from recurring, it is imperative to strengthen the management skills of academic leaders. This involves several key areas:
- Ongoing Training for Leaders: Academic leaders must be regularly trained not only on administrative aspects but also on the ethical values they are supposed to embody. Continuous training ensures they remain aligned with the founding principles of the institution.
- Evaluation and Revision of Internal Processes: Internal processes, particularly those related to communication, student reception, and registration management, must be regularly evaluated and revised to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with the institution’s ethical charter.
- Active Student Involvement: Students should be involved in management processes, for example, through advisory committees. This ensures that their concerns are considered and that decisions made by the administration are in line with their needs and expectations.
- Transparency and Accountability: Transparent and responsible management is essential to regain students’ trust and preserve the institution’s reputation. This includes setting up feedback and complaint mechanisms, as well as clear and honest communication at all levels.
Conclusion: For Academic Management Aligned with Promoted Values
The experience at this academic institution in San Francisco demonstrates how poor management can have serious consequences, not only for students but also for the institution itself. It is crucial that academic leaders acquire the necessary skills to manage their institutions effectively while respecting the values they claim to teach.
Strengthening management skills in academic institutions is not only a necessity to ensure consistency between teachings and practices but also to maintain the integrity and reputation of these institutions in the long term. By taking concrete steps to improve internal management, institutions can not only offer a better experience to students but also fully fulfill their role as models of good practices in the field of education.
Elisabeth Carrio