Quality of University Leaders
in the 21st century
Professor Robin Middlehurst
Kingston University
Starting Propositions
• 21 century brings significant new & difficult challenges
• Expectations of HE in 21 century are rising & systems are changing – but fast enough?
• 21 century leadership must be different & more diverse
• Relying on the skills & qualities of individual leaders (alone) is not enough….
Globalisation is making the world a different place…
The challenges facing countries…
..are serious…
..and difficult to resolve
The pace of change is increasing…
Rising Expectations of HE
Role of Universities in the Europe of Knowledge…
• “The European Union needs a healthy and flourishing university world…”
• “Europe needs excellence in its universities, to optimise the processes which underpin a knowledge society…”
• “The European Council called for European systems of education to become a ‘world reference’ by 2012…”
Changing student expectations
1984-2000: students working increased from 49% to 72% (5 hrs/wk to 17 hrs/wk)
Studies of Generation Y:– Racially & ethnically diverse– Used to ‘customising experience’– ‘High performance & high maintenance’– Want collaborative learning environments
with challenge + support
Changing HE systems…
New models, many competitors
A step-change in leadership?
Changes in leadership research
Focus onleaders
Study leadersas individuals
Examine power& hierarchy
Search for universal characteristics
Non-hierarchical
CollectiveProcess centred
Context-linked
Mutual power &influence
Then… Now…
(Kezar et al, 2006)
Changing leadership
• Leaders & leadership – mutual accountability & collective responsibility
• “Good followers make good leaders”• Fit for context + stage of development• Engaged & connected: leadership beyond
authority• “Leadership & the quest for integrity”• “Leadership as the management of
attention & management of meaning”
5 C’s Leadership
Credibility
Capability
Character
Collaborative Management
Cultural Sensitivity
A leader is bestWhen people barely know he exists.
Not so good when people obey and acclaim him.Worst when they despise him.
‘Fail to honour people and they fail to honour you;’
But of a good leader, who talks little,When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will all say, ‘We did this ourselves’.
(Lao-Tzu, 6th century BC)
Creating the freedomto lead