Drivers and barriers in developing sustainability leadership – a case of natural scientists at Ugandan universities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21721083 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Julius Lukwago (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Ana Martins (0000-0002-9271-2114, University of KwaZulu-Natal), Ana Maria De Azevedo Martins, Orthodox Tefera (0000-0001-5766-5335, University of KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 895-910 |
| Publication date | 2023-03-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1467-6370 • E-ISSN: 1758-6739 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/ijshe-08-2021-0327 |
| OpenAlex | W4308221457 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 33 |
Purpose Although natural science disciplines significantly contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs), little research attends to how higher education institutions (HEIs) influence the development of leadership skills needed among sustainability leaders. This paper aims to examine the leadership development experiences of natural scientists at the forefront of disciplines associated with SDGs to identify barriers and drivers to sustainability leadership skills development at HEIs. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods comparative study was used, integrating qualitative interviews among 21 natural scientists and 11 non-scientists, two focus group discussions and a cross-sectional survey of 221 leaders. The theory of planned behaviour was used as the analytical frame to identify themes emerging from the data as facilitators or barriers to leadership development. Findings There was a statistically significant difference between scientists and non-scientists in the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions that drive participation in leadership development activities. Attitudes belittling leadership skills, limited integration of leadership skills in medical, engineering and agricultural curricula and a social identity of superior learning efficacy impede natural scientist students at HEIs from engaging in leadership development. Research limitations/implications Further research using a larger sample could assess the prevalence and effect of the drivers and barriers on sustainability leadership effectiveness. Practical implications Beyond integrating leadership skills in HEIs curricula, the development of sustainability leadership requires deliberate elevation of the value of leadership skills within natural sciences, specifically by addressing attitudes, beliefs and workload challenges that impede scientists’ engagement in co-curricular activities. Originality/value Integrating multiple disciplines provides generalised insights into the context of leadership development among natural scientists at HEIs. This study identifies specific drivers and barriers affecting leadership development at HEIs in a developing country setting
Curriculum · Engineering ethics · Higher education · Leadership development · Originality · Pedagogy · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Engineering · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Psychology · Service-Learning and Community Engagement · Sustainability in Higher Education · Ecology
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Believing Is Becoming
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |