Abstract:
The study established how community college leaders establish connections
with other community leaders. Connections that form broad and inclusive networks
can be used to develop positive social capital in communities. Results showed that
new community college leaders follow a pattern of community engagement
including the identification of other leaders, making contacts, and extending
relationships through community and personal activities. No particular set of
personality characteristics is required for the development of community
connections. Methods of developing community connections vary depending upon
leader, college, and community characteristics. The development of connections is
expedited by frequent attendance at events, membership in organizations, and the
assistance of college staff. The development of community connections is based on
sets of skills that can be learned. Skills learned in the development of community
connections can be adapted and transferred from one setting to another. Community
college leaders tend to define the results of their community connections by college
outcomes rather than by community impact. Community college leaders tend not to
have broad and inclusive networks that include informal and social service
community leaders. New community college leaders and their staffs can use the
results of this study to better prepare for the establishment and maintenance of
leadership networks that build community.
