M: When Leadership Is Lacking

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A recent poll shows Americans are gaining confidence about economic recovery, but still harbor much anger toward politicians. Many indicate they would prefer to elect individuals without experience in Congress in order to break free from the status quo. QUESTIONS: M1. Examine the Leader-Participation Model and the three rules for making decisions. How should these… Read more »

M: Controlling Education

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We typically think about control in terms of processes. However, control can apply to individual behavior by controlling (constraining) choices. In the case of Ivan Cantera, his mother’s choice of his high school left him in an environment with strict controls that ultimately ensured his success. For former girlfriend Laura Corro, the choice to go… Read more »

The Competition Is Seeing Red(s)

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The 2010 Cincinnati Reds are surprising many observers of Major League Baseball. The Reds themselves are not surprised. After starting the season 7-10, the team rebounded to take sole possession of the National League Central Division ahead of the much-heralded St. Louis Cardinals (they are currently in second place). The team is accomplishing this without… Read more »

Continental United

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Continental Airlines and United Airlines plan to merge operations. While the business deal has yet to receive approval from the Justice Department and the Federal Aviation Administration, the two entities are already making plans for the transition. This includes developing interim structures and leadership to govern the transition process. QUESTIONS: Begin by reviewing the definitions… Read more »

True Bipartisanship

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Following a national election dominated by two parties, Conservatives and Labour, Britain’s Liberal Democrats are in a position to accomplish parts of their agenda if they align with the Conservatives to create a working majority in the House of Commons. The two parties do not always see eye to eye on issues, but recognize the… Read more »

The Hounds of Change

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During the extended leave of lead singer Natalie Maines, Dixie Chicks sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire got restless. Drawing on their childhood experiences, the two decided to form a new duo, Court Yard Hounds, to begin producing folk-pop music. QUESTIONS: What type of change led to the formation of Court Yard Hounds? What forces… Read more »

Institutionalized Hate

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One thing is certain (beyond death and taxes), if you sit through enough of them, sooner or later you learn to hate performance appraisals. The article contends that it is time to put an end to performance appraisals because they are hopelessly flawed. After outlining the problems inherent in this process, the author suggests it… Read more »

All Is Not Gold(man)

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In another very public case, Goldman Sachs executives faced tough questions at the hands of members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Investigations Subcommittee. Senators were unrelenting in their questions about reports that Goldman sold a product to clients, who eventually lost considerable amounts of money, while hedging (investing on the belief it… Read more »

Stamp of Approval

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Even as a hobby, stamp collecting is not at the forefront of public awareness. Stamp collecting has been around for nearly two centuries and is big business for some, but interest is declining. Yet for 2,000 of the world’s top collectors, stamps are an obsession. QUESTIONS: What need level(s) is/are satisfied for stamp collectors such… Read more »

The Price Is Right

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Ohio University wide receiver Taylor Price never made much of a name for himself in high school or college football. That is, until he was invited to play in the Senior Bowl and participate in the recent NFL combine in Indianapolis. Against better known players from football-rich schools, Taylor set about showcasing his talent with… Read more »