he theory of disruption provides a framework from business to education where it allows for education to be available to more people at a lower cost. In essence, it sounds easy, but it is difficult to implement. Education institutions usually work under a very structured hierarchy. What is the norm and has been done for many years, it is hard to let go for the members of these institutions from administrators to faculty members. The culture amid the inner circle is one of ownership and sometimes borders into arrogance. Nevertheless, if these institutions want to survive in the future they are going to have to adapt to the disrupting technological flow. Then, if the institution must adapt to the ever increasing wave of technology, does a new model of making business become a must? In other words, Is it necessary for an institution totally to change its DNA reinvent itself) or small mutations in its everyday business could suffice to keep it afloat and serve its student population well enough to keep them satisfied?
In my opinion, an education institution must reinvent itself by utterly changing its DNA. It structural models of transferring knowledge have to be ever changing to keep up with a changing world. It is true that deep rooted traditions can be a source of pride; however, nowadays where the sharing of knowledge is becoming global in nature, disruptive innovation must be incorporated into the traditional way of doing the business of education.
When an institution is willing to do business in a more unconventional way, its mission becomes more meaningful because more people can be served and more people can draw more benefits from it. On the other hand, the institution can benefit by been able to share the knowledge more broadly without forfeiting quality.
I agree completely with what you've said here. The big question is how can these institutions humble themselves for a moment in order to reflect on what they could do better, and what they may be in fact doing wrong. Strong leadership without ego.
ReplyDelete“Changing the DNA, reinventing ourselves…” A cultural and attitudinal shift in education seems to be in order. We are the definitely the company who has rested on its laurels and refused to innovate. Is that because we are satisfied with the results? Is it because we have not stepped outside of our walls enough? I hope it is not because we are satisfied. There are entirely too many children we are still not serving as well as we should. If it is because we have not stepped outside of our current thinking, then that should be easy…well maybe not so easy for some us Baby Boomers. More and more, I think that we, as leaders, need to support and embrace our new Millennial colleagues. If we nurture their thinking instead of asking them to be quiet and listen all of the time, perhaps they will help us to innovate….not sure…that is some of my current wonderings.
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