Leaders Of Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

Scientific journals of Russia and the activities of international would-be scientific network structures

The paper deals with the problem of network dependence of Russian news magazines and the actual dictates of international network structures (Scopus, WOS, etc.) that set their own requirements for their content and quality. The latter influence not only the scientific rating of journals, but also the publishing policy of their publications. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the rules of the game imposed by them have been adopted by the country's state authorities and, first of all, by the Ministry of science and higher education of the Russian Federation, which has tightened the requirements for reports of scientific and educational institutions, as well as researchers and teachers, including mandatory publications in Scopus and other international databases. Despite the efforts made by the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the leadership of higher education institutions, Russian science was dependent on these structures, which began to determine the directions and priorities of its development, including selecting the subject and language of journal publications. The scientific community of Russia is faced with the task of protecting the interests of journal editors and protecting the right of authors to Express their own scientific position and the ability to present publications in their native language.

Reflective Critical Thinking Skills of Student Leaders in Higher Education Institutions for Development

The Higher Education plays an important role in the Financial Development, in Economic Growth and in the Environmental Science. The purpose of the study is to train student leaders to become reflective and critical thinkers in their environment. There is a need for an intervention by student leaders in higher education institutions on environmental education. Thus, a seminar-workshop that will improve student leadership and critical thinking capabilities is a smart approach. This research aimed to describe the strategies for the recognition and realistic implementation of reflective critical thinking skills to students in their studies, their families and the community or environment. It also aimed to bring out the general importance of environmental education in their life as students. This study uses a qualitative method using critical analysis and survey. Graphical, ranking, and tabular techniques were also used to present the results. This was attended by 40 student leaders who engaged in the intervention activity. The data obtained has been summarized and analyzed. As a result, the different methods were ranked accordingly when determining areas for development. In the end, the researchers have come up with a Reflective Critical Thinking Cycle in Environmental Education that can be used and extended to oneself, the family, and the society. The research findings based on the intervention should be consistently done to show students how to balance academic and extra-curricular activities and in dealing with their environment

The strategic alliance of higher education institutions: Experience of contemporary Germany

Introduction. In the context of current trends in the development of the modern world, the successful solution of numerous socio-economic problems is possible only on the condition of effective functioning of higher education system, in which higher education institutions do not only implement the mission of providing society with high-quality and relevant educational services, but also carry out research and development of entrepreneurial nature. In this regard, search for opportunities to fulfill such missions currently takes precedence. The formation of alliances between higher education institutions can be considered as one of the promising mechanisms for performing such missions, as well as for integrative solution of issues in the field of public policy to support and develop higher education. In Russia, insufficient attention is paid to the issues of alliance formation within the sphere of higher education. Therefore, it is relevant to analyse foreign practices, i.e. a specific strategic alliance by higher educational institutions in Germany - The Berlin University Alliance.The aim of the present work is to contribute to the evidence base of research in the field of development of strategic cooperation between higher educational institutions, as well as to define the prospects for alliance formation through the analysis of foreign practices.Methodology and research methods. The methodological framework involves the following general scientific methods: systematisation and generalisation, structural and functional analysis, comparative and retrospective analysis of data from international rankings. The study was based on materials presented on the official Internet resources of “The Berlin University Alliance”, German programme “The Excellence Strategy”, international ranking agencies QS and THE, as well as scientific publications included in international citation databases Web of Science (RSCI) and Scopus.Results and scientific novelty. Based on established research, theoretical approaches to understanding the essence of alliances were structured; the criteria for classification of alliances were defined; the possibilities of alliances and factors, which serve as prerequisites for their formation, were investigated. The novelty of the current research lies in the fact that the author presents his own opinion on the phenomena in relation to such categories as “university alliance”, “strategic partnership” and “alliance formation”. Moreover, the author reports on the results obtained in the course of the analysis of the Berlin University Alliance as an example of the development of strategic partnership between higher education institutions in Germany.Practical significance. The present research may be a useful guideline for forming alliances between higher education institutions and generating new ideas for its development. The research outcomes can be used not only by the leaders of higher education institutions, but also by the experts and specialists involved in forming and implementing state policy in the field of higher education development.

Inclusive leadership and extra-role behaviors in higher education: does organizational learning mediate the relationship?

PurposeBuilding on social exchange theory and relational leadership theory, this paper proposes a model of inclusive leadership in higher education institutions. Together with an attempt to examine the impact of inclusive leadership on extra-role behaviors of academic staff, the paper aims to test the intervening mechanism of organizational learning among the aforementioned relationships.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 227 academic staff working in the Palestinian higher education institutions. Partial least squares (PLS-SEM) analysis technique was utilized to examine the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal that inclusive leadership exerts a positive effect on extra-role behaviors (organizational citizenship behaviors and innovative work behaviors) in the Palestinian higher education setting. Moreover, the findings show that organizational learning plays a significant mediating role among the relationships examinedPractical implicationsAcademic communities are increasingly diverse. This diversity requires a work environment in which employees take on additional work roles. In response to this diversity, managers of higher education institutions should be concerned about the roles and practices of inclusive leaders. In addition, higher education institutions need to be learning organizations since this would help to mitigate this diversity and create a working atmosphere characterized by continuous learning, collaboration and dialogue.Originality/valueIn higher education, most of the literature on inclusive academic leadership is mainly theoretical. Furthermore, organizational learning in higher education research is based on anecdotal perspectives (Dee and Leišyte, 2016). To this end, this paper is novel, as it is one of few studies to empirically investigate inclusive leadership and extra-role behaviors via organizational learning in a non-western academic context.

Social Media e-Leadership Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Higher Education

Leadership in the age of digital transformation is facing new challenges. We observed such a case when the global coronavirus pandemic took over our lives. Leaders of Higher Education Institutions were given a unique opportunity to leverage their online presence for managing this crisis. Hence, by the means of descriptive statistics, we studied the social media accounts of 216 leaders of business schools to learn about the practices they adopted from March 2020 to March 2021. Our findings show that in this group no universal strategy of communication can be stipulated, however, some patterns are visible in different world regions.

Talent Management in Higher Education Institutions: Developing Leadership Competencies

This paper presents the development process of talent management in higher education institutions. Specifically, this study aims to identify clusters that best fit the leadership competency framework for those institutions. This study utilizes the qualitative approach via focus group discussion with the Leadership Competency and Instrument Committee in AKEPT, and also by interviews with academics in the public universities. The findings from the focus group discussion and interview demonstrate five clusters of leadership competency skills framework: personnel effectiveness, cognition, leading, impact and influence, and achievement and action. Within these clusters, issues were identified that need to be taken into consideration when selecting future leaders in higher education institutions. Based on the findings, a set of attributes were listed that can be adopted in the future to allow leaders of higher institutional education to enhance their sustainability performance. This paper provides an understanding to interested parties on the attributes of good leaders for higher education institutions.

Leadership in a Diversified Culture: Qualitative Perspective

The current article addresses the leadership in higher education institutions (HEIs) with diversified cultures’ academics. It stresses the importance of leadership in academia by presenting a self-experience case in this perspective. The experience of 100 academics were utilized, via one-to-one interview, in this perspective in answer two research questions i.e. “how to deal appropriately with a much diversified work culture” and “how to exercise leadership traits in a diversified higher education context?

The Relationship between Sustainable Internationalization Strategies and Qualification Alignments to National Qualification Framework

The Majority of Higher Education Institutes attracted international collaboration and affiliations as part of internationalization strategy. Upon hosting an academic programme, both universities must assure that the programmes are equivalent in standards, with mutual agreement upon the methodology of delivery. The purpose of this study is to share successful practices of universities that sustained hosting cross boarder academic programmes hosted by local universities with international award from the UK and USA at postgraduate level. The paper will share the method and the adapted framework to enable a long-term relationship between both HEIs, compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as addressing graduate attributes in line with both HEI's missions. This paper will also demonstrate challenges and advantages of alignment to local qualification framework to maintain the equivalency of standards that leads to a sustainable internationalization strategy. As a major conclusion, this paper will demonstrate strategic decisions that could be adapted by leaders of Higher Education Institutions, while considering International collaboration or activating an International agreement. We can analyse this by considering local regulatory requirements and alignment with National Qualification Framework as well as linking the policies and procedures to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The findings of this paper provide insights for leaders of Higher Education Institutions and regulators to align their frameworks and policies to support Internationalization.

Beyond the Rhetoric of Sexual Harassment Policy to Good Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: Case Study, University for Development Studies

Purpose: Sexual harassment has been working itself up as a social canker where women are widely abused. Regrettably, this menace has been systematically ignored by the relevant authorities. Sexual harassment has gained currency in institutions of higher learning for several reasons. The study is limited to sexual harassment of females since this is pervasive and systematic. The paper investigates the extent of sexual harassment in contemporary times, its impact on the learning environment of higher education institutions. The paper also attempts to identify perpetrators of this heinous act. The study uses the University for Development Studies as case study. The writer closely examines the Sexual Harassment Policy of the University which only became operational in 2018.Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed. The population was the student leadership (Student Representative Council- SRC) of the multi-campus structure of the University for Development Studies (40), Simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 8 from which qualitative data was obtained using interview schedules for the four (4) Campuses of the University. Direct-observations and interviews of some key persons in the University was also employed.Results: The study revealed some weaknesses of the policy and concludes that the policy per se does not guarantee a complete protection for victims of sexual abuses. This therefore leaves much to be desired. Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: The paper therefore draws attention to this handicap that indeed, the policy may be in the right direction, but in itself not a sufficient bulwark against sexual harassment on campus. The writer therefore advocates extra guarantees or interventions for the University for Development Studies, whose policy on sexual harassment only recently became operational. Additional safeguards are recommended and above all a committed leadership to make the sexual harassment policy work

Leadership Effectiveness in Higher Education Institutions: The IPA Approach

The purpose of this research is to examine the leadership effectiveness of leaders in higher education institutions in order to pinpoint possible areas of improvement. Leaders in this context refer to those who assume leadership role in the universities ranging from department head to university president. To approach the problem systematically, descriptive cross sectional research design was employed. About 120 questionnaires were distributed to those leaders from three public universities randomly selected and only 95 questionnaires qualified for analysis. The importance performance grid was used for data analysis and it was supplemented by paired sample t test to see whether the gap between importance and performance is statistically significant. Accordingly, about 28% of the works of the leaders is characterized by high importance and low performance and some 19% of the works is characterized by low importance and high performance. This implies that about 48% of the tasks of those leaders are not on their intended priority schedule. Hence, possible planning and differentiating the daily routines from the strategic works are required for the academic leaders in order to perform their activities based on their level of importance to their universities.

Academic Freedom: Understanding and Experience of Higher Education Lecturers in Indonesia

Academic freedom is a universal concept inherent in the academic community of higher education. But in its implementation, it is always diverse because it attached to the cultural context and locality of the community. This research aims to find out the description of lecturers' understanding of academic freedom and determine challenges in the field based on their experience. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 15 informants from 10 tertiary institutions located in 5 major islands in Indonesia. Data analysis was performed by describing data qualitatively using analytic reduction of statement identification, determination of core themes, and essence descriptions. The results showed that lecturers have an understanding of academic freedom to conduct or not to carry out activities based on the disciplines they engaged in, in the aspects of teaching, research, publication, and community service without any intervention. Lecturers also get treatment of restrictions on academic freedom conducted by leaders of higher education institutions, fellow lecturer colleagues, government officials, and community groups. Dialogue is the most common way lecturers do when faced with restrictions in academic freedom. Thus, it is important to formulate a broader and more detailed conceptualization to minimize the interpretation of the misuse of interests. Strengthening networks between lecturers and international institutions concerned with academic freedom is a form of academic policy.

Implications of COVID-19 on the Labor Market of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Universities for a Sustainable Workforce

Governments all over the world are taking preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, these measures have caused both long- and short-term effects on the socioeconomic situation of many countries. Due to lockdowns and business shutdowns, people are becoming unemployed or are working on reduced wages, creating a unique type of career shock in the global job market. Moreover, this phenomenon also produces a negative reflux among workers, encouraging a new skill set for this unprecedented time. The present study aimed to investigate the implications of COVID-19 on the labor market of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire from both public and private sector employers (n = 234) to inquire about their perceptions of the new skill set required in the changing business environment during and after pandemics. The data were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics as well as simple and companion regression. The results indicate that the healthcare, service and education sectors have quickly transformed themselves from conventional to remote forms of working and consider virtual skills, autonomous working and effective communication the most important skills for their workforce during the current and the postpandemic scenarios. Interviews were then conducted with educational leaders to develop a conceptual framework by integrating both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the surveys. The results of the study are beneficial for the educational leadership of higher education institutions (HEIs) to better align their educational programs with changing market needs. By doing so, they not only increase the sustainability of the workforce but also minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the Saudi labor market.

Humanitarian journals of Russia in the grip of international network structures

The paper deals with the problem of network dependence of Russian news magazines and the actual dictates of international network structures (Scopus, WOS, etc.) that set their own requirements for their content and quality. The latter influence not only the scientific rating of journals, but also the publishing policy of their publications. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the rules of the game imposed by them have been adopted by the country's state authorities and, first of all, by the Ministry of science and higher education of the Russian Federation, which has tightened the requirements for reports of scientific and educational institutions, as well as researchers and teachers, including mandatory publications in Scopus and other international databases. Despite the efforts made by the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the leadership of higher education institutions, Russian science was dependent on these structures, which began to determine the directions and priorities of its development, including selecting the subject and language of journal publications. All this is a direct violation of the constitutional norms of the Russian state and the right to freedom of scientific creativity of scientists. The scientific community of Russia is faced with the task of protecting the interests of journal editors and protecting the right of authors to Express their own scientific position and the ability to present publications in their native language.

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: An Empirical Approach

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: An Empirical Approach

Positive affect and mindfulness as predictors of resilience amongst women leaders in higher education institutions

Orientation: Psychological resources are the factors that appear to have a significant impact on how leaders adapt to adversity and remain resilient. Positive affect and mindfulness are the psychological resources that positively relate to the levels of resilience of women leaders in higher education institutions.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of positive affect and mindfulness on the levels of resilience of women leaders in higher education institutions in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Identifying the internal resources women leaders use to facilitate resilience will allow higher education institutions to prioritise these resources in leadership support programmes to assist these women leaders.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data in a purposive sample of n = 255 women leaders in four South African higher education institutions. Pearson’s correlation analyses, multiple regression analyses and mediation analysis were used to analyse the data.Main findings: Findings indicated that positive affect and mindfulness were found to be significant predictors of resilience. Additionally, mindfulness was found to be a partial mediator in the relationship between positive affect and resilience.Practical/managerial implications: Higher education institutions can assist women leaders by investing in psychological resources such as mindfulness and positive affect to enhance the levels of resilience.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the limited research on the role of internal resources to enhance resilience in a workplace setting and more specifically amongst women leaders.

Sustainability Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: An Overview of Challenges

Sustainability leadership entails the processes, which leaders, policymakers, and academics undertake in order to implement sustainable development policies and other initiatives within their organizations. It encompasses approaches, methods, and systemic solutions to solve problems and drive institutional policy towards a more sustainable organization. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) play a particularly important role, especially with regard to their institutional leadership role in promoting sustainable development. There is a paucity of research focusing on sustainability leadership in universities. In order to address this gap, this paper discussed the concept of sustainability leadership based on literature and empirical insights. The study aimed to understand the main characteristics of sustainability leaders at HEI and the main challenges they are confronted with. Secondary research questions involved gender issues and positive outcomes of sustainability leadership. The empirical component of the study consisted of an online-questionnaire survey performed among leaders (n = 50) from a set of universities in 29 countries. The sampling scheme was purposive, based on the membership in the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Program (IUSDRP). The study was explorative in nature, and the descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. Due to the purposive sampling, the participants from top management positions could be considered as experienced, and their views were assumed to be information-rich. With a self-evaluation, the respondents described their leadership style and their usual traits, with inclusive style and systemic thinking being predominant in the sample. Regarding the skills, the respondents selected the ability to innovate, to think long-term, and to manage complexity from a pre-defined set of options. Connectedness with interdisciplinarity and knowledge about organizational settings, as well as global challenges and dilemmas, were stated as important issues related to the knowledge required for being a leader. Regarding requirements for a change towards more sustainable universities’ curriculum adaptation, investments in education for sustainable development (ESD), sustainable procurement, and reporting were mentioned. The study also revealed that gender issues were taken seriously among the sampled institutions, which is an encouraging trend. Challenges seen in implementing sustainability leadership are, for instance, a lack of interest by the university administration and among some members of the academic community, as well as lack of expertise and materials or resources. Based on the empirical insights, a set of measures were listed and which may be adopted in the future, so as to allow leaders of Higher Education Institutions to enhance their sustainability performance.

The quest in delivering quality IT services: The case of a higher education institution

IT leaders in higher education institutions (HEI) face a challenge to incorporate the continuous transformation of technology and the way it is applied in HEIs to improve the quality of IT service delivery. Managing IT per se, became more than managing IT systems with a fixed set of knowledge and skills. IT leaders needs to manage IT as a value stream not as separate entities. Various best practices, methodologies, standards and frameworks exist which all address some aspect of the IT value stream. A multi-dimensional framework was designed to address the entire IT value stream and to improve the quality of service delivery and thus satisfy stakeholders’ expectations. The framework incorporates various best practices, methodologies and standards. The framework was validated using in-depth interviews. Thirty interviewees from three entities within the HEI, participated in the research. The purpose of the interviews was to determine which elements of the framework contribute to quality IT services. Respondents completed a service quality matrix as part of the interview. The results were analysed to determine the respondents’ understanding and interpretation of the delivery of quality services. The results highlighted a discrepancy between the IT department’s perception of quality service and the recipients’ perception of said services. The results also highlighted that the framework can be used to align the various service quality perceptions.

Nexus of knowledge-oriented leadership, knowledge management, innovation and organizational performance in higher education

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of knowledge-oriented leadership on organizational performance of higher education institutions (HEIs) and examine the neglected mediating role of knowledge management (KM) processes and innovation.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the quantitative and cross-sectional research design, data were collected through self-administered questionnaire from 312 faculty members of HEIs of Pakistan. The partial least squares structural equation modelling data analysis technique was applied to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe results indicate that knowledge-oriented leadership has direct and positive effect on organizational performance. Moreover, the findings reveal that KM processes and innovation partially mediate the effect of knowledge-oriented leadership on organizational performance.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the imrportant role of knowledge-oriented leadership in HEIs. Findings of this research suggest that by exhibiting knowledge-oriented behaviours, managers of HEIs can effectively manage their knowledge assets, ensure successful implementation of KM processes and augment product and process innovation leading towards superior organizational performance.Originality/valueThis is amongst one of the first studies that proposes an integrated research model and examines interrelationships amongst knowledge-oriented leadership, KM processes, innovation and organizational performance in the context of HEIs.

Leadership Pivotal to Productivity Enhancement for 21st-Century Indian Higher Education System

Good governance enhances efficiency both in public and private sector organizations. Productivity and good governance are closely associated to aid value for investment both in terms of time and money, and end-user satisfaction. Productivity Enhancement and quality improvement of higher education depend on governance-trends and productive leadership of the institution. Discipline, and quality vision set, and policy practiced by the leadership in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) propagate down the timeline-hierarchy. This article addresses the pivotal factors and parameters worldwide studied, accepted and opined in various case studies and policy making schemes for good governance of Higher Education Indian Institution (HEIIs). This is necessary to enable their leadership enhancing the organizational productivity for 21st-century Indian subcontinent. The 3rd largest youth in the world studying in HEIIs would contribute the most to the growth of 21st-century Indian economy and living standards. This shall be possible when educational productivity of HEII-leadership is innovatively transformed into transformative innovation. In this paper effects, consequences, impacts, opportunities, problems and remedies regarding pivotal issues and challenges of and for existing HEIIs for becoming world-class education system are systematically reviewed. Recommendations based upon studies and findings are made for 21st-century HEII-leadership, and practical model is presented to measure the productivity.

Leadership Behavior Analysis: The Case of Three Academic Middle-Level Leaders in Higher Education

This study explored leadership behavior and practices of three academic program heads in higher education. The paper discusses the responses of three academic leaders in higher education institutions within the framework of adult learning, drawing specifically from adult learning theories including andragogy, transformation learning, experiential learning, and cognitive learning. The study employed a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interview format and observation in gathering data on the behavior of the leader. The academic program heads in a Mid-Western university in the United States of America responded to questions and their responses analyzed with a framework of selected adult learning theories. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and five themes emerged. The thematic analysis revealed five themes; 1) reflection/learning from experiences 2) coping with stress 3) feedback 4) linking relationships, positive environment, and achieving objectives 5) tangible outcomes as success/rewards of leadership. Also, the analysis reveals elements of transformational learning in the leaders’ practices. The paper concludes with implications for leadership development in higher education. The study focused on the behavior of three academic program heads in a single university and the findings are not generalizable. In addition to other leadership competencies, leaders should be equipped with emotional intelligence. The study highlights the interconnectedness of leader behavior and adult learning theories, an area that has little attention in research on leadership in higher education.