Nation Struggling With Lack of Leadership
A perceived lack of leadership strength pervades American society,
particularly in the areas of religion, K-12 education, health care and
politics.
That’s according to a national survey that asked businessmen and women
to rate the quality of leadership in various sectors of American life.
Politics ranked dead last in the EPIC-MRA study sponsored by Alma
College and its Center for Responsible Leadership. Only 8 percent rated
political leadership “excellent” or “very good” while 74 percent
described it as “fair” or “poor.”
“Whether real or perceived, there’s a critical lack of confidence in
leadership across America,” said John Leipzig, director of the Alma
College Center for Responsible Leadership. “Many people believe we are
in troubling times in terms of leadership. We want our leaders to step
up and serve us better. We hunger for strong, genuine leadership in
politics and in all of these public domains that impact the quality of
life that America has been known for in the past. Americans desire a
leadership renaissance.
“The challenge for institutions like Alma College is twofold: first,
change perceptions by defining and showing superior leadership at work
in society today, and, secondly, to prepare ethical leaders with
commitments beyond themselves to lead change and serve the common
good,” he said.
The study gives the highest marks to the quality of leadership in
science, technology and the military. Religion, K-12 education, health
care and politics received the lowest marks.
• Forty percent of businessmen and women rate the quality of
leadership in science and technology as high, while 36 percent give
high marks to military leadership and 28 percent to volunteerism and
community service.
• Twenty-two percent rate the quality of leadership high in higher
education, compared to 20 percent in business leadership, 17 percent
for local community leadership, and 12 percent for religious leadership.
• Only 11 percent rate the quality of leadership in K-12 education as
high. Nine percent give high marks to health care and eight percent to
political leadership.
“The poor response to K-12 education, health care and politics suggests
less confidence in the leadership of those areas that we entrust to the
government: Our children’s education, our citizen’s health and the
governance of our country,” said Leipzig.
Many respondents were critical of religious leadership. Fifty percent described religious leadership as “fair” or “poor.”
“The nurturing of ethical values is as important to leadership
development as acquiring knowledge and skills,” said Leipzig.
“Confidence in religious leadership is lacking, but the respondents in
the survey have a higher opinion of leaders in the community service
sector. The moral obligation of people giving back their time and
resources in service to their communities seems to be resonating well
with business people.”
Alma’s Center for Responsible Leadership provides programming and
service opportunities for all students. Components include a Leadership
Fellows program, speakers and seminars.
-mjs-
Posted: Wed, June 27th, 2007 at 9:12AM
