Leadership Practices for Student Engagement in Saudi Arabia Universities

Abstract

This research studies the leadership styles that lead to student involvement in Saudi Arabia higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to explore the way university leaders, particularly the deans, support the integration of students into academic as well as extracurricular life. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews conducted with the deans and faculty of the universities to learn how cultural factors and practices of leadership affect the learning process of students. Two theoretical frameworks guide this study and its approach: The Situational Leadership Theory and Kahu's Conceptual Framework of Student Engagement form the major theoretical pillars of this research. When put together, these frameworks explain how academic leaders can encourage student engagement by using individualised leadership styles, as well as an all-encompassing institutional system to provide support. Based on the findings, ideal academic leaders should therefore adapt their leadership styles to the situation; they should employ a combination of telling, selling, participating and delegating approaches to address individual students' needs. Transparent communication, faculty autonomy promotion, and inclusive educational setting are practices towards increasing student success.