Leadership Dynamics in the Zimbabwe Open University Regional Campuses: A Case Study of Tagutswa Regional Campus
- July 5, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Sharayi Chakanyuka
Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo Regional Campus, 68 Hellet Street, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Abstract: – The study sought to find out the leadership dynamics that make one Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) regional campus different from others. It was a case study of Tagutswa Regional Campus. The objectives of the study were to explore the leadership characteristics of the Regional campus director with regards to teaching and learning, research and community service; establish subordinates’ perceptions of and assess effect of the Regional director’s leadership on subordinates. The research adopted the qualitative paradigm and the social constructivism philosophical perspective. Data was collected from the Regional director and academic staff through semi-structured interviews and from non-academic staff through focus group discussion. Preliminary results show that the regional campus director (RCD) is a visionary who leads by example. In teaching and learning, the RCD encourages tutorial workshops for tutors to improve the quality of tutoring; keeps abreast of developments in relevant ministries to keep the regional campus staff updated on developments which affect the regional campus. He also monitors tutorials, assignment marking and student support through learner and peer evaluations. He is a renowned scholar, prolific researcher and author who has influenced academic staff to research and publish articles to the extent that most of them are associate or full professors. He adopts a collective approach to decision making and holds regular staff meetings to resolve regional campus issues. He also works harmoniously with the local community and stakeholders. The RCD has motivated academic and non-academic staff to improve their academic and professional qualifications so that all members of the academic staff hold or are studying towards doctoral degrees and members of the non-academic staff are first or Master’s degree holders. The study recommends that the ZOU National Centre should award prizes to outstanding RCD’s to encourage excellent performance in the regional campuses where the actual teaching and learning takes place. Further studies should be carried out to assess the effectiveness of other ZOU regional campuses.
Key words: leadership, regional campus, Director, transformational
