HUMAN RESOURCES CHALLENGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A SYNTHESIS OF EMPIRICAL FINDINGS AND RESEARCH GAPS

Abstract

This study investigates the contemporary human resource (HR) challenges faced by higher education institutions (HEIs), with a specific focus on institutions in Oman and the Gulf region. Anchored in a dual-method approach, the research synthesizes findings from recent literature and analyzes empirical data gathered through a survey targeting HR professionals in HEIs. The literature review identified five critical thematic areas of concern: talent acquisition and retention, digital HR systems and AI integration, employee engagement and well-being, diversity and inclusion, and the alignment between HR practices and institutional strategy.

To complement the literature, a structured survey was developed and distributed to HR staff across various HEIs. Descriptive and frequency analyses revealed that attracting and retaining qualified faculty emerged as the most pressing challenge, followed by concerns over performance appraisal and succession planning. Conversely, areas such as digital HR adoption, staff engagement, and diversity initiatives were rated as less developed, indicating operational gaps and institutional underinvestment in strategic HR capabilities.

Findings from this study expose a significant disconnect between theory and practice in HEI human resource management. The results also highlight contextual factors—such as governance rigidity and digital infrastructure limitations—that shape HR realities in the Gulf region. The study concludes by proposing a research-informed agenda to bridge these gaps and offers strategic recommendations for HR integration, digital transformation, and inclusive organizational development in higher education.