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