Change management and the integration of information technology: Research notes from selected African universities

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine change management awareness (CMA) by evaluating the perceptions of academics regarding information technology integration in higher education in Africa. Data were collected from 592 academics at three prominent higher education institutions in Africa. These included two direct contact (or on-site) institutions, namely Lagos State University in Nigeria and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and an open distance learning (ODL) institution, the University of South Africa. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The requirements of effective integration of information technology and change management awareness in higher education were identified using a change management model. The findings indicated that academics are self-aware of the need for change in order to enhance technology integration in higher education. The study identified that universities should take responsibility in providing the strategies needed to implement change in the use of information technology.