Institution and a Leader
By Nila Velásquez | August 2002 | View Full Text | Email Link

Abstract

A study of bridging leadership in Ecuador produced in cooperation with with Fundación Esquel Ecuador. It examines bridging leadership among business, civil society, and government sectors.

Since its establishment in 1883, the University of Guayaquil had been the most renowned center for higher education in Ecuador. This was true until the early nineties when a permanent state of confrontation between key stakeholders within the institution led to mismanagement and a near complete loss of prestige. The once highly-regarded institution was engulfed in a continuous battle between factions; charges of corruption were constant and verbal conflict and even violence were common. Such was the state of affairs that welcomed León Roldós when he became Vice Chancellor in 1994. This case follows Roldós as he sought to bridge competing interests, forge a new understanding between parties and gain support from government, civil society and business. In so doing, he managed to refurbish the tarnished image of the university and to recapture its status as a leading academic institution, one worthy of support and capable of achieving its goals.

Bridging leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on creating and sustaining effective working relationships among key partners and stakeholders. By "bridging" different perspectives and opinions often found across the breadth of different stakeholders, a common agenda can begin to be developed and shared in order to solve social and economic problems.

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Partnership & Collaboration | Bridging Leadership | Americas | Ecuador