Encouraging Civility as a Community College Leader. edited by Paul A. Elsner and George R. Boggs.
The title is misleading because most of the book isn't about encouraging civility and because its contents reflect a very narrow definition of "community college leader".
The main body of the book consists of five chapters. Three of the five are about specific tough trials that the authors have undergone. Civility, if it is addressed at all, is more the subject of what was missing from what the "other" side said and did. There is very little concrete, effective advice or analysis of civility, its definition, its absence or presence, or its promotion.
Four of the five chapters are written by current or former college presidents. We are given the view from one side of the fence only. Also, three of the chapters are personal narratives of tough battles at colleges. They are not objective and not very helpful. Their message seems to be "hang tough and don't lose your cool". It would have been helpful to seek input from other leaders in the college system such as faculty union heads, board members, and student council executives.
The exception to my two main criticisms is Chapter 4 "Compassionate Leadership Transcending Prejudice," by Zelema Harris. She offers helpful definitions, suggestions, and analysis. She is the only writer among the personal narrativists with the courage to say that management abuse can be a major cause of incivility in colleges.
Chapter 5 "Addressing Challenges to Civility on Campus" by Paul A. Elsner, one of the book's editors, is a well written summary of the causes and complexities of campus incivility. Elsner tags all sectors of the college community with some responsibility for the problem. He identifies ways in which all sectors can contribute to a solution. He also makes it clear that it is administration's job to take the lead.
The book concludes with three short appendices containing sample codes of conduct from three American colleges.
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