Managing Educational Reforms during Times of Transition

Abstract

Being the leader of a university is a unique and diverse challenge ever since universities have been described by Cohen and Marchin (1974) as ‘organized anarchies’ with high inertia, unclear technologies and problematic goals. This could be in part due to the fact of the temporary status of their roles amplifying a sort of conflict of identity in that they seek to maintain an academic identity, whilst being under pressure to take a long–term strategy. Another challenging element in today’s world is the high competitive and changing environment that requires sometimes dramatic and long-term decisions in order to guarantee the survival of the academic institution. The current period presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to universities and there is no doubt that the quality of leadership in the sector is crucial to developing the necessary entrepreneurialism and resilience required (Wooldridge, 2011). Drawing from the author’s own experience of working more than 20 years in developing leaders and adding the experience as professor of strategic management and manager in the higher education sector, the purpose of this article is to present a focused strategy summarized in six practical points that can help leaders of colleges and universities reinvent their industry and survive in the long term. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze the challenges and opportunities to universities and thus to propose some practical solutions. Design/methodology/approach: The article is based on concepts and on the own experience of the author as manager in the higher education sector. Findings: A list of practical solution to modern challenges is proposed. Research limitations: The lack of empirical data that can validate the model. Practical Implications: Considering the emphasis placed on challenges and opportunities, the model can have some practical implications in the management of universities. Originality/value: The article attempts to present a complete list of challenges and opportunities universities are facing. The list can provide a basis for further analysis from universities’ managers.