THE DEGREE OF PRACTICING STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AMONG HEADS OF ACADEMIC 1 DEPARTMENTS AT JORDANIAN UNIVERSITIES AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE LEVEL OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FACULTY MEMBERS

Povzetek

This study aimed to investigate the degree of strategic leadership practice among heads of academic departments in Jordanian universities and to examine the relationship between their strategic leadership and change management from the perspective of faculty members. A descriptive correlational survey approach was employed, utilizing a two-part questionnaire. The first part was dedicated to strategic leadership, and the other measures management change. The sample consisted of 310 faculty members from Jordanian universities during 2023/2024. It was found that the heads of academic departments practice strategic leadership to a moderate level. Their practice of strategic leadership was sequenced as follows: strategy design, analysis of the internal and external environment, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation. Similarly, the level of change management among them was moderate. The most practiced area was preparing for change, followed by planning for change, implementing change, and evaluating change. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between strategic leadership and change management. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing structured awareness programs and training courses for department heads and faculty members to educate them and promote the adoption of strategic leadership as a management approach. It also encourages the development of department leaders' changing management skills to cope with the latest technological advancements and global trends. The study recommends involving department heads and faculty in the creation of strategic plans and visions for their departments.