Book Review: Hellmich, D. M. (Ed.). (2007). Ethical Leadership in the Community College: Bridging Theory and Daily Practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Abstract

Hellmich, D. M. (Ed.). (2007). Ethical in the Community College: Bridging Theory and Practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.DOI: 10.1177/0091552108319540Hellmich has assembled an excellent team of 13 authors who, with himself, offer varied cultural perspectives about ethics, trust, tolerance, morality, respect, power, fairness, integrity, purpose, culture, humanity, decision making, and leadership in the community college. Though the various articles often reference the president or trustees as traditional leaders, much of what is offered has tremendous applicability to nearly everyone in the community college.From the faculty, to department chairs, to supervisors at any level, to virtually all employees, this text is a must read. Many of the authors note the scarcity of ethics research that has been undertaken to date. Indeed, a few authors traveled back in time to Plato's Republic to look for touchstones on ethical behavior. It is interesting that, over the years, a clear and unifying definition of ethics has been somewhat elusive. Although not directly stated, it seemed that the authors' consensus in defining ethics is similar to defining love: I'll know it when I see it.This book is quite timely for community colleges in that what used to be understood as ethical behavior has begun to blur in our contemporary society. There is far less black and white clarity and increasing levels of gray in decision making and in the subsequent justification of actions taken. One of the most daunting challenges noted by many of the authors was the potential variation in judgment made by individuals considering the same dilemma. Matters of training, education, experience, and culture can often lead to differences in approach, decision making, and action.To elucidate the difficulty faced by leaders today, a few authors include multiple scenarios and sample cases of real-life situations. These vignettes are often followed by a series of questions leading readers to question not only the decisions they would make but also the criteria used in the decisions. Rightfully, readers are prompted to consider any biases or experiences that may have led to proposed actions for the various case studies. The case studies are most useful in that they ground key points made by the authors.The value of Ethical in the Community College is strengthened in two other ways. First, because both the text and the case studies are expressly focused on community college issues, the reader is not left to apply principles based on other institutional contexts to 2-year college structures, unique challenges, or mission. second, the subject breadth of the volume is commendable. In particular, the two-part construction of the book, Foundations of Ethical Leadership and Daily Practice of Ethical Leadership, provides a rich resource for both current and aspiring community college leaders. The no-nonsense approach to a grounded understanding of ethics, followed by the practical realities of leadership, makes this a vital handbook for readers.The book further demonstrates its utility by grounding the reader first in the origins and theoretical constructs of ethics and connecting these constructs to the early application of ethics in a community college environment. …