Viktor Wang and Sue Kaiser, faculty members in the Watson College of Education, and Dayna Lynn Mitchell of Cal Poly Pomona have recently published “Educational Leadership and Organizational Management: Bridging Theory and Practice,” a resource for educators, administrators and policymakers that aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications in educational leadership.

The book’s 12 chapters cover a broad range of critical topics, including the differentiation between leadership and management, ethical and reflective leadership, evaluation and assessment strategies, and the impact of cultural influences on adult learning. Additionally, it addresses the importance of effective organizational communication, strategies for managing workplace civility, decision-making processes in a globalized world, and the integration of technology in education.

The release of this book comes at a pivotal time when educational institutions are navigating rapid technological advancements and increased diversity. It provides readers with the tools and insights needed to address these challenges effectively.

The book is particularly important for educators and leaders dedicated to fostering inclusive and high-performing learning environments. It not only offers theoretical insights but also practical strategies for implementing effective leadership and management practices in educational settings.

One significant challenge in enacting educational leadership and organizational management is applying theory to the workplace effectively. In that regard, this book is also designed for students, leaders and managers to help them develop their expertise by putting theories into practice. Scholars, practitioners and the public will appreciate the evidence-based scenarios demonstrating the dynamic and transformative nature of educational leaders and organizational managers.

The book has two main goals:

  • To engage learners. Each chapter delves into a specific aspect of educational leadership and organizational management, helping students, leaders, and managers study the intricacies of the subject matter.
  • To encourage practical analysis. It urges learners to analyze prevalent theories and concepts, and their application to developing leadership and management skills.

Each chapter includes a different case study to aid in developing the knowledge and attitudes necessary to address real-world problems in the workplace. The book facilitates essential discussions on how educational leadership and organizational management are implemented in different domains. It serves as a valuable resource, stimulating reflection and informing the practices and thoughts of educational leaders and organizational managers across a variety of organizational contexts.

About the authors:

Viktor Wang is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Technology in the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education at Cal State San Bernardino. He has published over 240 refereed articles and has been instrumental in advancing scholarly discourse in educational leadership. Wang's leadership and mentorship have significantly impacted his peers and students, earning him numerous accolades, including the 2016 Presidential Award for Exceptional and Innovative Leadership from the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

Sue Kaiser is an assistant professor at CSUSB’s Watson College of Education. She has over four decades of experience in the field of educational administration. Her work focuses on social justice and equity issues in education, leadership theory, and policy implementation. Kaiser is known for her engaging teaching style and commitment to mentoring future educational leaders.

Dayna Lynn Mitchell serves as an assistant professor of Educational Leadership at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. With a 35-year career in PK-12 education, Mitchell has held various leadership roles, including principal and superintendent. Her work emphasizes equity in education and professional learning programs designed to improve student achievement and engagement.