Leadership challenges: a higher education perspective

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning in South Africa have undergone minor as well as major changes in their core business and have applied different modes of transformational strategies to deal with the changing environment. There are problems in terms of public funding, student demographics are changing, and the marketplace is expanding in response to a technological society. Through continuous restructuring, employer-employee relations are affected as loyalty to one employer is no longer possible. Public trust in higher education is decreasing as more graduates are unemployed. In view of these challenges, universities need to adapt and be open to change. There needs to be strong, capable leadership that drives the core function of teaching and learning in this dynamic environment. In view of the diverse demographic profile of the South African workforce, both white and blue collar workers, it is perceived that each individual takes care of their own interests. With diminishing levels of trust among peers, and the escalation of costs, South Africa needs to adapt to these drastic changes to survive the global landscape as international private institutions infiltrate the higher education market. The objectives of the paper is to highlight some of the challenges experienced by staff and to emphasise that managers need professional development in management and leadership qualities in academia in order to improve relationships. It is important to note that without effective leadership, the possibility of improvement in teaching and learning is limited. Secondary literature surveys were conducted to outline the qualities that need to be instilled in a diversified society such as South Africa.