Being a dean in Maldives: Academic leadership challenges
List of Authors
  • Aishath Waheeda

Keyword
  • deans, academic leadership, challenges, higher education

Abstract
  • The current study explored the challenges of effective academic leadership faced by deans in Maldivian Higher Education Institutes (HEI). A qualitative approach informed with grounded theory techniques was used in this study. Semi structured interviews were used for purposively selected deans (N=5) and academics (N=16) from seven different HEI in Maldives. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed and coded. The challenges of deans in practicing effective academic leadership in Maldivian HEI were found to be issues related to governance, academic leadership and personal capabilities. Suggestions for making the role more effective include, encouraging the distribution of leadership, providing leadership training, and, being more vigilant in dean recruitment based on professional and personal competencies.

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