Conflict at Pierce College

This case was written for use in courses in higher education leadership. It is particularly useful for examining the environment in which decisions are made in higher education institutions. In the case, a young administrator is confronted with an ethical dilemma. She initially receives the support of her superiors in handling the situation, but after she acts she discovers that this support has eroded. The case illustrates the importance of coalition-building as well as the necessity of understanding institutional politics. The case also provides an opportunity to examine and discuss ethics in higher education administration.