Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning: How Academic Leadership Can Shape Faculty Development Practices in Pakistani HEIs
Abstract
Our research study delves into the crucial role of academic leadership in creating and promoting a culture of continuous learning within Pakistani Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and how it impacts faculty development practices. The research aims to bridge the gap that exists between theoretical frameworks that emphasize lifelong learning and the practical implementation of faculty development programs within Pakistani HEIs. This study explores how faculty members at Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs) perceive their leadership style’s effect on student achievement, with a focus on the academic culture’s mediating function. In addition to adding to the body of knowledge already available on leadership in higher education, the project aims to help academic leaders and policymakers enhance university performance. A thorough study of pertinent literature, including empirical investigations, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual models, is a step in the research process. The findings highlight how important a leadership style is in affecting faculty performance and work happiness. The effects of transactional, laissez-faire, and transformational leadership philosophies on academic achievement vary. Our study also emphasises the role that academic culture plays as a mediator in the association between leadership style and academic achievement. Academic culture, which is characterised by the standards, beliefs, and customs of the academic community, greatly influences the attitudes, actions, and output of faculty members. Enhancing collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning can boost faculty productivity and improve university performance through a positive academic culture. Several recommendations are made by academic leaders and policymakers based on the findings. These recommendations include promoting transformational leadership, fostering a positive academic culture, encouraging participatory decision-making, providing leadership development programmers, fostering an innovative culture, increasing faculty job satisfaction, fostering a culture of continuous learning, conducting regular performance evaluations, fostering collaboration and teamwork, and continuously monitoring and adapting leadership practices. The research study contributes to the knowledge of the intricate connections between leadership style, academic culture, and university performance in Pakistani HEIs. It provides academic administrators and legislators with useful insights into how to improve university performance and establish an accepting environment of work for faculty members.
Authors: Shazada Khurum Khan Alwi, Naveed Ahmed Mughal
Published in: World Congress on Education (2024)
- Date of Conference: 26-28 August, 2024
- DOI: 10.20533/WCE.2024.0011
- Electronic ISBN: 978-1-913572-71-6
- Conference Location: Churchill College, Cambridge, UK