Analyzing leadership and management competencies required by management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The institutions of Higher Learning find themselves battling several challenges, and the reduced funding from the government due to the global economic crisis has affected these institutions. Higher Learning institutions were also affected by the global pandemic, which meant that the institutions of higher learning had to transform their teaching methods from in-person teaching to online teaching, which has an impact way of teaching going forward. The institutions had to deal with constant student protests, which sometimes resulted in violence. Amongst all these challenges, the institution of learning, University of KwaZulu-Natal, has to find ways to deal with these challenges and remain relevant on the global stage and maintain its ranking status, and reputation. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been through major changes in the past ten years and is undergoing yet another transformation. This study aims to explore the state of leadership and management competencies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the context of change and challenges that emerge in the Institute of Higher Learning. A quantitative study was conducted, and six objectives were employed to test whether the institution has suitable leaders and managers to lead the institution to meet its vision, mission, and goals. The study has a population size of 106, with an 84-sample size. The quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive and correlational design, and a random sampling technique was employed in this study. The questionnaire with 43 open-ended questions was posted on the UKZN notice to the University employees. 60 of the leadership and management employees, both academic and professional, participated in this study, resulting in a 71% response rate, with 20% academic management and the other 80% support staff management. The theoretical review was conducted in terms of theories, models, and frameworks to find new theories, gaps, and future studies. SPSS ANOVA statically instrument was used to analyze data, by analyzing the variables’ means, standard deviation, regression, and graphs. The hypotheses were tested through testing t-values and confidence levels to test managers’ competencies through managers' leadership style, trainingand development, management experience and educational background, management barriers, andtechnology leadership. There is a strong positive correlation between the institution leaders' and managers'skills, abilities, and competencies to lead the institution. The study has found that UKZN managers andleaders have the competencies required to manage the institution effectively. The study found gaps inwhether leaders’ and managers' team members found their respective leaders and managers to havecompetitive skills and the ability to manage the institution effectively. The future study recommendationis to test whether the leaders and managers team managers believe their team managers have thecompetencies, skills, and abilities to manage the teams.