An exploration of university leaders’ perceptions of learning about leadership

Abstract

The paper reports on a study conducted with eighteen new and emerging middle level university leaders who had been targeted for a senior leadership development program. Participants were asked to identify (i) what constitutes effective leadership within a university setting; and (ii) and reflect on one or more significant learning experiences that helped them to learn about leadership. The findings revealed that effective leadership practices were those that fell within two broad categories of interpersonal skills and engagement; and strategic thinking, action and operational effectiveness. Three main types of significant learning experiences cited were learning from others; formal university leadership programs; and critical incidents on the job. The paper concludes with some key implications for developers of university programs.