MBA Class Rates Obama's First 100 Days

Newswise — This week, as political pundits rate President Obama's first 100 days in office, MBA students at the University of Indianapolis are giving the new administration a passing grade, based on concepts learned in a course titled Leading Organizational Change. Early in the semester, Assistant Professor Terry Schindler assigned his graduate students to evaluate Obama's leadership based on course texts such as "Leading Change" by John P. Kotter and "Managing Transitions" by William Bridges. "Obama's campaign could be summarized in one word, 'change,' centered on transparency, accountability and honesty," Schindler says. "This was a unique opportunity to apply the principles we're studying to a huge organization " the U.S. government." The results were not too different from recent national polls: 55 percent of the UIndy class gave Obama's first 100 days a favorable rating, 36 percent were unfavorable and 9 percent remained undecided. Favorable remarks from the students included:· "His ability to inspire and motivate people has been a fundamental element in his election and in his success." · "President Obama has shown that creating a vision of change is easy, but to enact change is a much harder task that at times can be unpopular." · "Regardless of future success, many citizens believe that better times are coming, and that is important for creating an environment where change can flourish. Starting from the first day of the inauguration, Obama's message has been consistent." Unfavorable remarks included:· "I believe Barack has shown enough inconsistencies that could discredit his spoken word. His word is largely all he has, and if the public begins to question it, the next 100 days will prove that he is in direct conflict with the ideals that won him the election." · "I'm disturbed by the ridiculous amount of clear earmarks in that (stimulus) bill "¦ . I thought this type of legislative practice was exactly what he campaigned against." · "Obama has become more of a celebrity rather than a president, from being on late night talk shows to having his tournament bracket posted all over 'SportsCenter.'" Mixed reactions included:· "You cannot argue that he isn't changing how things are being done in the United States, but you can question whether what he is doing is beneficial to the American people." · "I personally disagree with the majority of his ambitions and policies. However, I think it is fair to say Obama has performed well portraying leadership." · "The President has done a great job of communicating with the American people through all mediums "¦ . Although he seems to be a hit with public appearances, I can't help but wonder if he is going too commercial."