Abstract
This article interprets Lee Iacocca’s managerial philosophy for application in academic and communication administration. Framing Iacocca’s principles of motivation, accountability, and leadership within a university context, the discussion explores how participatory management and clear goal articulation can improve departmental performance. The analysis emphasizes Iacocca’s model of “management by wandering around” as a strategy for maintaining visibility and fostering open communication. It also adapts his quarterly review system and “equality of sacrifice” concepts to faculty evaluation and workload distribution. Drawing from administrative experience, the author proposes a Distribution of Effort Agreement to formalize faculty commitments across teaching, research, and service, aligning individual objectives with institutional missions. This model, while initially resisted, is shown to increase accountability, morale, and organizational focus. The essay concludes that clarity of goals and equitable engagement are essential to effective academic leadership and institutional cohesion.
Recommended Citation
Geddes, LaDonna McMurray
(1987)
"Corporate Management Strategies: Applications for Communication Administrators from Iacocca: An Autobiography,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 59, Article 14.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol59/iss1/14
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