Understanding the twists and turns of academic leadership in higher education institutions

Abstract

Managing academic affairs embraces vast array of responsibilities. Aware of the remarkable and challenging position occupied by the program chairs, this paper shed some light to help illuminate the way our academic leaders face their struggles in managing the organization in a higher education institution.  The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of academic program chairs of Quirino State University, Cabarroguis, Campus as they faced struggles, dilemmas, and tensions as academic managers. Driven by the question, -experience?, a series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Further, seven interesting themes emerged on the struggles experienced by the academic leaders, namely: a.) tardiness and absenteeism of subordinates; b.) disobedience & disrespect from subordinates; c.) defiance to work; d.) student-related issues; e.) young in the position; f.) self-sacrifice for the sake of position and responsibility; and g.) lack of support from the administration. This study has implications for academic leadership practice in that it enables other academic leaders to analyze and relate their own management roles, attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and values in order to dynamically maximize their organization's success and ensure its survival through harmonious and sound relationships with superiors and subordinates.