Public Administration and Society, Case Study Example

Surviving at the EPA

This case study summary encompasses a brief description of how four professionals functioned at the Environmental Protection Agency, which was the brain child of Republican president Richard Nixon. The president seemed to have had immense confidence in Anne Gorsuch as an environmentalist and politician. However, she felt was incapable of realizing the present’s somewhat unrealistic goals and resigned after two years trial and error practices. Three other professionals rose to this challenge of serving the public as advocate for a livable environment.

Bill Hedeman was summoned to take over from Michael Cook by Anne Gorsuch. While Hedeman was a very gifted and experinces attorney he felt awkward functioning in an environment where Cook had developed such industrial calmness and people loved him. Besides, Cook had a very attractive academic profile having graduated in environmental studies from Harvard University. Bill Hedeman felt sabotaged taking over from such a talented professional with so much charisma. Ultimately the ambitious Gary Dietrich emerged as a stalwart in the role understanding President Nixon’s self-starters strategy.

Statement of the problem

Astute leadership is crucial in establishing an effective organization. To achieve goals leaders must demonstrate charisma in articulating support from subordinate staff and colleagues. Academic preparation is essential to functioning competently in an leadership positon. However, a person who is an academic does not necessarily have leadership skills to manage a project or organization.