Title: A thematic analysis of leadership behaviours and change management in higher education to boost sustainability

Authors: Saeed Hameed Aldulaimi; Marwan Mohamed Abdeldayem

Addresses: College of Administrative Sciences, Applied Science University (ASU), Kingdom of Bahrain ' College of Administrative Sciences, Applied Science University (ASU), Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the influence of leadership behaviour on change management in higher education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Also to propose and examine a framework for the influence of leadership on change management in order to achieve sustainability in higher education. The study used a qualitative approach in terms of in-depth interviews with ten faculty members from four different universities who undergo significant changes through achieving the HEA Fellowship, UK. The findings reveal that the proposed framework is applicable to examine the influence of leadership on change management. Further, participants confirmed 19 significant themes of leadership behaviour which are crucial in leading change management in higher education. The study also provides a practical map for the most significant leadership behaviour considering essential in achieving change plans effectively in higher education.

Keywords: change management; leadership; sustainability; thematic analysis; Kingdom of Bahrain; HEA; professional recognition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2020.108623

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2020 Vol.3 No.1, pp.34 - 51

Received: 10 Jun 2019
Accepted: 28 Nov 2019
Published online: 21 Jul 2020 *

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