Can adaptive–academic leadership duo make universities ready for change? Evidence from higher education institutions in Pakistan in the light of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aamna Tariq Mukaram ◽  
Kashif Rathore ◽  
Mukaram Ali Khan ◽  
Rizwan Qaiser Danish ◽  
Syed Sohaib Zubair
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Academic Leadership ◽  
Adaptive Leadership ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In rapidly changing global village, individuals, organizations and the society are faced with various unforeseen challenges every day, and these challenges continuously trigger and test the instincts for survival, and higher education is of no exception. In the context of today’s most critical uncertainty, i.e. COVID-19, the purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of two leadership styles, i.e. adaptive and academic leadership, and assessing readiness for change among higher education institutions (HEIs) of Punjab, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted to collect data from 404 permanent faculty members in the public sector universities identified using stratified random sampling. The hypotheses developed were tested using co-variance-based structural equation modeling. Findings As per the findings, both leadership styles as exogenous constructs and the presence of organizational learning capability as mediators contributed positively in crafting organizational readiness for change (ORC) among HEIs in the course of unpredictable circumstances. Practical implications The COVID-19 episode globally has reiterated the importance of change, and the role of leadership in this regard cannot be undermined. This study, for that matter, stresses on the importance and benefits of academic and adaptive leadership dealing with uncertainties or change and the readiness of HEIs for change. Several institutions faced challenges in doing so, and the transition was not smooth, except for institutions where leaders were the differentiating factor. On top of it, institutions that had timely invested in digital systems and had enhanced organizations learning capacity survived in these turbulent times. Originality/value COVID-19 has placed tremendous challenges on HEIs to adapt with the rapidly changing conditions. Hence, this study is unique in understanding the academic and adaptive leadership styles in context of ORC. This study further helps in understanding that how public sector universities that are already influenced by stringent bureaucratic structures react to change.

Predicting sustainable consumption of package-free bath products among students in higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Patrick M. Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Purchase

Purpose This study aims to examine the applicability of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase behavior (PB) of package-free bath products, among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Using a non-experimental survey research design, this study empirically tested an extended TPB model through structural equation modeling. The dataset was obtained through a survey of undergraduate students in three HEIs in the Philippines. Findings Environmental knowledge (EK) predicted attitudes toward purchasing package-free bath products. Attitudes, subjective norms and pro-environmental self-identity (PSI) predicted intention to purchase package-free bath products. Furthermore, the intention to purchase package-free bath products and perceived behavioral control predicted PB of the said item. Research limitations/implications The results imply that the addition of EK and PSI to the TPB is applicable in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase of package-free bath products. Practical implications The results showed how HEIs can encourage their students to purchase package-free bath products. Social implications The results highlight how social and economic factors play a role in promoting or inhibiting pro-environmental behavior among HEI students. Originality/value The findings support the inclusion of EK and PSI to the TPB for an integrative model that aims to improve the prediction of the purchase of package-free bath products.

Demonstrating the motivational scale for commitments toward teachers’ turnover intentions using self-determination theory: a case of higher education institutions in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayeda Zeenat Maryam ◽  
Fouzia Ali ◽  
Mehvish Rizvi ◽  
Sadia Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate the turnover intentions (TIs) among the academic faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan through their motivation and commitment toward the concerned institution. It inspects the relationship of dimensions of motivation including an absence of motivation (AM), extrinsic motivation (ExM) and intrinsic motivation (InM) with the dimensions of commitment including affective commitment (AC), continuous commitment (CC) and normative commitment (NC) and finally the academic's TIs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used the self-determination theory (SDT), the theory of organizational commitment (OC) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for its proposed model. A sample of 500 academics, working under higher education commission recognized public and private universities in Punjab Pakistan. A structural equation modeling (SEM) conducted for analysis using an algorithm, bootstrapping and blindfolding techniques.FindingsThe outcomes of the research are attention-grabbing, as no direct relationship has been observed between the dimensions of motivation and TIs except InM. The dimensions of commitments are mediating the relationship between motivation and TIs with high significance value. The results reveal a significant adverse effect on TIs through two dimensions of commitment.Research limitations/implicationsAs it is the case of a developing country like Pakistan therefore the finding cannot generalize to developed countries.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research may lead the policymakers and practitioners of HEIs and controlling body to retain their competent teachers.Social implicationsThis research can help the private sector to develop strategies about the retention of their competent teachers within the institutions that not just value the institution but also will be much beneficial for the students and society.Originality/valueThis paper is identifying how motivation is related to TIs and the role of commitment in it at HEIs. Still, no research has been conducted considering this avenue of SDT, OC and TPB

Exploring personal definitions of sustainability and their impact on perceptions of sustainability culture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Alexander ◽  
Jessica Jacovidis ◽  
Deborah Sturm
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Community Member ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Campus Community ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory analysis of campus community member (i.e. students, faculty, staff) definitions of sustainability, their perceptions of select elements of sustainability culture and the relationship between the two. Design/methodology/approach Researchers implemented a cross-sectional design where participants from two higher education institutions in the USA completed an online survey. The 352 respondents from James Madison University and 349 respondents from Wofford College included students, faculty and staff members. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns in the quantitative data, and an inductive theme approach was used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings This study provides evidence that sustainability is often viewed from an environmental lens, and personal definitions of sustainability may impact perceptions of campus sustainability culture elements. Generally, the highest rated elements of culture examined (i.e. university actions, signs and symbols and institutional commitments) were all aligned with the environment dimension of sustainability and consistent across sustainability definitions. However, respondents with a more integrative definition of sustainability expected to see elements of culture that aligned with the social dimension of sustainability at a considerably higher rate than the respondents who reported more narrow definitions of sustainability. Research limitations/implications Lack of generalizability, low response rates and self-selection bias are some of the limitations of the study. Practical implications Personal definitions of sustainability may impact campus community member perceptions of sustainability culture and progress on their campuses. Practitioners may use this study to inform development of more effective strategies for creating and assessing the culture of sustainability that colleges and universities are pursuing. Originality/value The empirical analysis of campus community members on two very different campus communities responds to Owens and Legere (2015) who argue for further studies to understand the concept of sustainability at other higher education institutions that are at different stages of pursuing sustainability. This paper links research about sustainability definitions to the emergent research on campus sustainability culture, filling a gap between these two areas.

What makes better career opportunities for young graduates? Examining acquired employability skills in higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy M.L. Ng ◽  
Jason K. Y. Chan ◽  
Tai Ming Wut ◽  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Irene Szeto
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model to examine key employability skills that match workplace requirements and foster employability.Design/methodology/approachThis research comprises a cross-sectional study from self-financing institutions in Hong Kong. The current study adopted structural equation modeling to examine key employability skills that match workplace requirements and foster employability.FindingsBased on the empirical findings, the acquired employability skills of young graduates are entrepreneurship, professional development, work with others, self-management, communication and problem solving. Moreover, higher education institutions should work closely with industry stakeholders to get employers engaged with the work-integrating learning (WIL) programs and subsequently equip young graduates for better employability opportunities. In connection with employer engagement, employability skills of communication, problem solving and self-management would be improved. Furthermore, entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills could further be developed for young graduating students working in SME organizations during WIL.Originality/valueAs a notable gap exists in the current literature to examine young graduates' key employability skills in the context and content of Hong Kong self-financing tertiary education, this research explores key employability skills of self-financed young graduates and the relative importance of employability skills across company size using a quantitative approach.

Are higher education institutions in Europe preparing students for IPSAS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 363-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berit Adam ◽  
Isabel Brusca ◽  
Eugenio Caperchione ◽  
Jens Heiling ◽  
Susana Margarida F. Jorge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Future Education ◽  
Near Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether higher education institutions (HEIs) in EU Member States are aware of the relevance of the ongoing reforms in public sector accounting (PSA) and the need to prepare their students to become expert professionals in that area. It particularly assesses whether these organizations currently provide, or will provide in the near future, education on International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS)/EPSAS, so that a sufficient number of graduates will be ready to match the foreseeable demand for experts in IPSAS/EPSAS. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a purposive sample, the paper compares the situation in four EU countries (Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain). Data have been obtained through a questionnaire provided to selected professors in relevant HEIs in the selected countries. Findings HEIs are giving only limited room to PSA and financial management, with differences in terms of program offerings and coverage of topics among the four countries. Furthermore, in most cases, the programs are adapted to the national budgetary and accounting standards and courses are seldom focused on the IPSASs. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature on PSA harmonization, through an innovative analysis of PSA and financial management teaching, both at national and international levels.

scholarly journals Prevalence of POE in UK higher education institutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Riley ◽  
Alison Cotgrave ◽  
Noora Kokkarinen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Uk Higher Education ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the extent to which Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is understood and applied within higher education institutions across the UK and identify users’ perceptions of its efficacy. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methodology was applied to this research. Part one consisted of an online survey intended to generate an overview of the extent of POE use across the sector. The second phase, intended to develop greater insight and understanding of users’ perceptions of POE, relied upon in-depth interviews with a smaller sample drawn those who had completed the survey in part one. Findings – Differing models of POE are used within higher education institutions with varying degrees of complexity. Models exist that are based on standard structures and templates, whilst entirely bespoke options have been developed by some institutions. The work found that there is a clear preference for applying bespoke methods rather than standardised ones. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a sample of Directors of Estates (DOEs) from UK Universities. The conclusions relate specifically to that sector and context. The extent for broader generalisation is limited by the research sample. Practical implications – The work shows that POE is understood to have differing purpose and effectiveness in individual Universities. As a result there has been a proliferation in the number of models developed and applied. This leads to the conclusion that more coherent and consistent understanding should be promoted within the sector. Social implications – The work has implications for the effective management of university buildings to support user satisfaction. Originality/value – This paper indicates that there is prevalence of applying POE processes in higher education institutions and that specific models have been developed for the sector. However, the extent to which the process is valued and understood is highly variable.

scholarly journals Sustainability practices at higher education institutions in Asia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis ◽  
Subarna Sivapalan ◽  
Halima Begum ◽  
Theam Foo Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Sustainability Challenges

Purpose It is still unclear how Asian universities incorporate the theory or practice of sustainable development (SD) in their research and education programmes. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to report on a study that has examined how universities in Asian countries handle and address matters related to SD. Design/methodology/approach The study used a bibliometric analysis and an online survey-method. The online survey data were analysed through descriptive analysis and one-sample student’s t-test. Findings The study indicates that there is considerable variation among the Asian countries regarding sustainability practices in higher education institutions (HEIs). The HEIs in far eastern countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are perceived to demonstrate more sustainability practices. Research limitations/implications Even though a substantial number of participants participated in the survey, it did not cover all Asian countries. The online survey was carried out over a limited period of time, and not all HEIs in the field may have received information about the study. Practical implications Asia is the largest continent facing a number of sustainability challenges. In this context, the contribution of HEIs is very important. The findings of the current study may serve as a baseline for Asian HEIs to take more initiatives towards SD goals, as HEIs are responsible for the education and training of hundreds of thousands of students who will be occupying key positions in industry, government or education in the coming years. Originality/value The study contributes to the existing literature in two distinct ways. First, it was possible to develop a comprehensive instrument to measure sustainability practices in HEIs. Second, this study has filled the gap of the scarcity of studies regarding sustainability practices in HEIs in Asia.

scholarly journals Sustainable leadership in higher education institutions: social innovation as a mechanism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qaisar Iqbal ◽  
Katarzyna Piwowar-Sulej
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Sustainable Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Performance

Purpose Considering the vital role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in accomplishing sustainable development goals, this study aims to examine how and when sustainable leadership (SL) influences sustainable performance by examining social innovation (SI) as a mediating mechanism and managerial discretion (MD) as a boundary condition based on upper echelon theory. Design/methodology/approach This study is cross-sectional in nature. The authors adopted a cluster-sampling approach to collect data from 500 employees of HEIs in Pakistan and China. The response rate for this study was 52.63%. As the proposed model is complex, the authors used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the research hypothesis. Findings The empirical findings confirm the presence of SI as a competitive partial mediator between SL and sustainable performance. Nevertheless, the findings of this study do not suggest a higher positive effect of SL on SI in the presence of high MD. Research limitations/implications The study evaluated the role of SL and SI in fostering sustainable performance from the perspective of employees in HEIs in China and Pakistan. Before the empirical evidence can be generalized, there is a need to conduct similar studies in other parts of Asia and Western countries as well. Practical implications This study presents implications for higher education leaders and policymakers at the national level to foster the sustainable performance of their institutions. Social implications The current evidence reveals the effectiveness of SL in achieving the social goals of HEIs through SI. The recommendations presented in this study can have an impact on society, providing it with a sustainable future. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind to examine the mediating role of SI on the relationship between SL and sustainable performance. The present study also provides pioneering empirical evidence about the negative effects of MD in the context of HEIs.

Academic leadership and research performance: a study among engineering academicians in emerging nations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumukh Hungund ◽  
Anandkumar R. Annigeri ◽  
Ishita Pandey ◽  
Gurubasavarya Hiremath
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Performance ◽  
Academic Leadership ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Academic Institution ◽  
Individual Development ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Nations

PurposeThe performance of an academic institution is widely measured by their research performance. In this regard, the role played by leaders in an academic institution is vital. The focus of this paper is on the role played by academic leadership towards research performance.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study is designed, and data are collected from 267 faculty members from various technical institutes across India through an online survey. A snowball sampling is adopted to reach the data point, and structural equation modeling is used to analyze the relationship using Smart PLS (partial least squares).FindingsThe study indicates that leadership in academic setup in developing countries does not directly influence research performance among the faculty members. To enhance research performance, institutes should promote collaboration and facilitate knowledge acquisition and individual development.Practical implicationsThe proposed model aids the leadership in devising strategies and approaches to encourage collaborations and individual initiatives in an academic setup.Social implicationsThe study identifies the importance of Individual initiative in Research Performance and knowledge acquisition for Higher Educational Institutions (HEI).Originality/valueThis research study is unique because it investigates the relationships between Academic Leadership and Research Performance of engineering faculty in emerging nations.

Measuring internal service quality: the case of the Greek public higher education institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kornilia Skarpeta ◽  
Maria Koemtzi ◽  
Dimitrios Aidonis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Public Organizations ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Service Quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the idea of internal service quality in public organizations. An attempt is made to determine the key elements that define the concept of internal service quality and to identify the factors that support the attainment of high levels of internal quality. Internal service quality refers to the quality of services offered between units and/or employees within an organization and achieving internal quality in public authorities can contribute to the sustainability of the public sector. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted among administrative staff of the publicly owned Greek Higher Education Institutions. The research instrument uses a three-level approach on internal service quality: individual, departmental and organizational. The model was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings Findings reveal a five-factor structure of internal service quality by adding the factors of interdepartmental quality and the human aspect of internal service provision. Analysis of the data suggests that internal service quality is dependent on the level of responsibility of the respondent’s job. Research limitations/implications There is evidence that the individual internal service quality factor needs to be enhanced with more items. In addition, in order to gain generalizable results, further research should be conducted in various types of public organizations. Originality/value This study examines a questionnaire that evaluates internal service quality and proposes a basic five-factor model for estimating this type of service quality. It also triggers the use of internal service quality theory within public sector organizations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document