7 - The Academic Dean and the Challenges of Meeting Changing Expectations in a Competitive Higher Education Environment in Africa

Alfred Otara

doi:10.57054/jhea.v12i1.1541

Abstract

This article seeks to provide guidelines for leadership decisions and prac- tices that university deans can follow to be effective in their institutions and be relevant in an increasingly competitive African milieu. The paper provides an overview of academic leadership by faculty deans and assesses the degree to which they demonstrate leadership in addressing contempo- rary challenges and expectations. The paper shows how academic leaders must hold and convey ideas and knowledge that could shape managerial thought and practice. It also emphasizes that they must develop a human resource network inside and outside their departments and university and at levels – be they local, national, and international. Academic leadership needs to have a structured approach to faculty and staff promotion and development, and it should be placed on a priority list. Deans need to use technology and communication channels effectively to improve access to knowledge. The educational programmes must be dynamic and streamlined to meet the demands of the job market as well as the aspirations of all the stakeholders, including the external stakeholders.

The Academic Dean and the Challenges of Meeting Changing Expectations in a Competitive Higher Education Environment in Africa

Cet article vise à fournir des lignes directrices pour les décisions et les pratiques de leadership à suivre par les doyens de facultés d’université pour être efficaces dans les institutions qu’ils dirigent et être pertinents dans un contexte africain de plus en plus compétitif. L’étude donne un aperçu du leadership académique des doyens de facultés et évalue le niveau de ce leadership face aux enjeux et aux attentes contemporains. L’étude démontre comment les leaders universitaires doivent détenir et transmettre les idées et les connaissances qui devraient façonner la pensée et la pratique mana- gériales. Il souligne aussi que ces derniers doivent développer un réseau de ressources humaines au sein et en dehors de leurs départements et leurs universités et à des niveaux – aussi bien local, national et international. Le leadership académique doit avoir une approche structurée vis-à-vis des facultés et en ce qui concerne la promotion et le développement du personnel et devrait être placé sur une liste prioritaire. Les doyens de facultés doivent utiliser la technologie et les canaux de communication pour améliorer l’accès au savoir. Les programmes éducatifs doivent être dynamiques et rationalisés pour répondre aux exigences du marché de l’emploi ainsi qu’aux aspirations de toutes les parties prenantes, y compris les acteurs externes.

Keywords

Meeting Dean Academic

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Author Biography

Alfred Otara

College of Education, University of Rwanda.

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