Effective Leadership Conceptualization in Higher Education Context

Abstract

The relevancy and significance of effective leadership has been emphasised in every setting, situation and context. The conceptualisation of   effective leadership embedded   in multiple perspectives due to the contextualised nature of leadership.  The significance of higher education institutions and the necessity to manifest effective leadership in educational context entails empirical research and deep down understanding. Keeping in view the elusive nature of  effective leadership and pivotal role of department head, this research endeavour aimed at exploring faculty members’ perceptions concerning their conceptualisation of  effective department leadership. Drawn from inductive research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted from twelve faculty members of public university of Pakistan, located in Sindh province. The study findings highlighted thirteen important behaviours in relation to manifesting effective leadership by department heads. Notably, the majority of highlighted leadership behaviours appeared closely aligned with various dimensions of transformational leadership. However, there is need to conduct further research studies with larger sample to endorse the effective leadership conceptualisation in Pakistani higher education context.