AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

KEMISHA N WARE

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP AT THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY

PADM520

JUNE 2014
Introduction

An organization’s culture forms over years of interaction between the persons involved in that organization. Those in the leadership positions set the tone and standards that will be followed by others involved. But what happens when that leadership fails to lead? How does an organization tackle the issues of poor communication, no defined or set policies, an inadequate administrative system and lack of leadership?
This is the problem that Local Education Authority (LEA) was faced with when its new leader, Ales Rakovich, took over the organization as the LEA head when the organization had a negative culture already in place. Rakovich failed to make changes within the organization, which resulted in multiple mistakes. Mistakes made included failing to communicate with one another and failure of the secretary to handle correspondence and effectively perform her job functions.
Rakovich reported to the head of the Regional Education Authority (REA). More than once, the REA expressed their dissatisfaction with the job performance and working habits of the LEA staff. As the head of the LEA, Rakovich was responsible for organizing and monitoring the organizations work. But after failing to effectively lead the organization, not only was the LEA’s reputation damaged but so was Rakovich’s reputation as a leader.
Rakovich knew that immediate action was necessary to prevent further damage to his reputation and to the LEA. When organizations are perceived ineffective, like the LEA, what are recommended solutions? There is a direct relationship between organizational culture and performance. In some organizations, the organizational culture results in high level