Small interventions for large problems: reshaping urban leadership networks

Article Abstract:

This article reports a longitudinal study of the Urban Leadership Program, which sought to reshape community leadership networks in a large metropolitan area. Program classes of approximately 50 persons each replicated in microcosm the ethnic, gender, and occupational diversity of the area's leaders. Data were collected when the program began and ended and three years after it began, using questionnaires and interviews. The authors found that program participation resulted in increased contacts among participants, which persisted for the first class only; that contacts with whites increased, but not with blacks; and that new networks emerged or old ones were strengthened for addressing community issues. Factors underlying leadership networks included contact with black leaders, the social establishment, political leaders, business leaders, and community activists. The implications of the study for using microcosm interventions to influence larger systems are discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Study and teaching, Cities and towns, Race relations, Leadership

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Understanding researcher "projection" in interpreting case study data: the South Canyon fire tragedy

Article Abstract:

The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the issue of researcher "projection" within case study analyses. It is argued that a potential source of projection lies in the cognitive information processes of the researcher. A case study (written by the authors of this article) serves as a self-study to illustrate the projection potential in case analytic studies. Implications of projection in case analyses are discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Case studies, Colorado, Fires, Projection (Psychology), Case method, Case teaching method

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Self-fulfilling prophecy and escalating commitment: fuel for the Waco fire

Article Abstract:

The 1993 confrontation between the FBI and the Branch Davidian sect in Waco, TX, demonstrates how escalating commitment and self-fulfilling prophecy interacted to cause organizational crisis. This interaction can happen when decision makers implement bipolar alternatives or ignore expert advice.

Texas, Management, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Branch Davidians, Waco, Texas, Self-fulfilling prophecy

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