©2000 NewFoundations

The Educational Theory of Warren Bennis
Analyst: M. F. de Tal


I. Theory of Value: What knowledge and skills are worthwhile learning? What are the goals of education?

It is important that one learns to solve problems and resolve conflict. The process of investigating problems is the important learning activity. People need to learn how to learn.. The goal is empowerment of the people. (A47,52; B36)

II. Theory of Knowledge: What is knowledge? How is it different from belief? What is a mistake? A lie?

Knowledge is something that changes a person's behavior Knowledge is testable by scientific methods. A mistake is a misperception which is corrected by additional knowledge. (A20, 46, 92, 104; C18)

III. Theory of Human Nature: What is a human being w does it differ from other species? What are the limits of human potential?

A human being is a problem solving animal. The human's ability to communicate using multiple modes for clarification sets it apart from other species. Humans are limited by their ability to recognize truth. (A1, 14 , 59; B 37; C17)

IV. Theory of Learning: What is learning? How are skills and knowledge acquired?

Learning is changing/adapting what was thought to be true. Clarification of meaning via communication permits learning. Competence can only be gained by adaptation of science. (A51; B37)

V. Theory of Transmission: Who is to teach? By whit methods? What will the

curriculum be?

Education should be both formal and informal. Reading should be a part of the whole life. The professional educators serve the formal process through Socratic methods. The leaders pull the followers by communicating well. There must be a mixture of humanities and science to prepare the person for the next challenge. Behavioral science is key to success. (A 92, 1; C17)

VI. Theory of Society: What is society! What institutions are involved in the educational process?

Society's structure is not determined merely by beliefs of its members. It fulfills certain psychological needs of its members. Schools, employers, social organizations and families should be involved in the informal education process. (A24; B 39)

VII. Theory of Opportunity: Who is to be educated? Who is to be schooled?

All people should be schooled. All who seek knowledge should be educate All humans should be encouraged to seek knowledge and continue to grow, constantly changing. (A11; B38)

VIII: Theory of consensus: Why do people disagree? How is consensus achieved? Whose opinion takes precedence?

Conflict is the inevitable search for balance between individual's and the organization's needs, between freedom & authority. Consensus is achieved through communication of meaning and vision. (A65; C17)


A: Changing Organizations, 1966

B: Why Leader's Can't Lead, 1989

C: The Four Competencies of Leadership, 1984