Professional Development of HoDs at University Level: Needs, Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This study aims to find out about the departmental heads' professional development (PD) needs, the PD opportunities they pursue, and the PD challenges they face. An interpretive paradigm and a qualitative research methodology were used in this study. This study is exploratory. Heads of department interviews have been conducted using the semi-structured interview protocol. Ten interviews in total, five from the University of the Punjab and five from the University of Education, Lahore, have been conducted. The sample was chosen using a convenient sampling technique. The data have been analyzed using a thematic approach. The study's key findings are as follows: It has been discovered that each department head has different standards for professional growth to ensure the success of their job. Additionally, with the right training, it is possible to improve related traits like risk-taking, decision-making, and initiative-taking as well as skills like management, negotiation, administration, and leadership.

It has been discovered that the university offers no opportunities for professional development to HoDs as Department Heads, and there is no PD program for department heads. However, it has been discovered that HoDs participate in PD opportunities provided to them as faculty members. An intriguing finding is that before granting someone the position of Head of Department (HoD), the university administration does not provide any type of training to HoDs; as a result, the HoD is immediately thrust into a situation in which they must manage multiple departmental concerns without any training. Department heads face several challenges in their professional development, including heavy workloads, time management issues, a lack of opportunities for PD activities, and difficulty achieving a work-life balance.

The study suggests that the university must provide specialized PD training for department heads (HoDs). The university administration should offer Pakistan-based and technologically advanced PD training programs and activities. This study suggests that department heads could benefit from skilled personnel to reduce their workload and effectively complete departmental work. Furthermore, it is suggested that professional development (PD) activities be planned for times when the semester is not in session, allowing department heads to focus on PD without the burden of teaching.