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

Abstract

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.

Role of agile leadership in managing inter-role conflicts for a satisfying job and life during COVID-19 in a VUCA world

“…As hypothesized, the study found a significant negative relationship between agile leadership and work–family conflicts and family–work conflicts, which are also supported by studies conducted by Akkaya et al (2020) and Jia and Li (2022) . In Pakistani context, research suggests that academic and adaptive leadership helped implement change and develop higher education institutes ( Mukaram et al, 2021 ). For instance, in Pakistan, HEC is dedicated to making e-learning success in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19-specific policies and procedures and emergent levels of support helped leadership in educational institutes facilitate students and employees at the same time ( Mumtaz et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Faculty found it difficult to be flexible enough to become tech savvy and adapt to the changing situations. It was difficult for educational institutions to match the internal pace of change with the external pace of change ( Mukaram et al, 2021 ). According to the W-HR model, as employees develop their resources such as elevated moods, better self-esteem, and positive emotional support, it has a significant impact on performance, as these resources help improve personal resources at work ( Ten Brummelhuis and Bakker, 2012 ).…”

Tertiary Education Performance Influenced by Administrative Leadership, Entrepreneurial Orientation with Moderating Role of Managerial Ties

“…There is need to be effective administrative leadership style in changing educational environment. It has been stated that appropriate leadership style is required in diverse situations and behaviors of leaders in contingent situations, such as prior studies reported the role of adaptive leadership (Mukaram et al, 2021;Kozachuk & Conley, 2021).…”

“…The complexity inclined in education sector due to adoption of technological equipment for online sessions during covid19 that requires transformation at multiple ends. Therefore, the leadership in educational institutes and higher education sector must be changed to appropriate leadership style that is found to be necessary in educational institutes (Dee & Leišytė, 2016;Mukaram et al, 2021).…”

Цифровизация Начальной Школы: Сеанс Одновременной Игры

“…В данной части исследования на основе результатов опроса родителей учеников начальной школы, участвующих в эксперименте 36 , отражена динамика их отношения к цифровизации в образовании детей.…”