Resolving complex community problems: Applying collective leadership and Kotter's change model to wicked problems within social system networks

Authors

Jay L. Caulfield, Marquette UniversityFollow
Elizabeth F. Brenner, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2020

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Nonprofit Management & Leadership

Source ISSN

1048-6682

Abstract

How does collective leadership within social networks resolve chronic and complex problems common to communities? Unfortunately, sometimes it does not, but when it does, the outcome may be truly extraordinary. We use a case study approach to explain how one Midwest community within the USA applied collective leadership within a community network to reduce teen births. It took ten years of what many identified as provocative media campaigns and comprehensive sex education programs to reduce teen births by 65%, significantly exceeding the stated goal. Using Kotter's change model as a backdrop, powerful strategies and provocative creativity reveal courageous leadership within a social network of diverse people and organizations focused on improving the social well being of their community.

Comments

Accepted version. Nonprofit Management & Leadership, Vol. 30, No. 3 (2020, Spring): 509-524. DOI. © 2020 Wiley. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Caulfield, Jay L. and Brenner, Elizabeth F., "Resolving complex community problems: Applying collective leadership and Kotter's change model to wicked problems within social system networks" (2020). Management Faculty Research and Publications. 347.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/mgmt_fac/347