Abstract

Higher education is by nature a knowledge institution that requires the knowledge, skills and abilities of more than one person if it is to be successful.  Achieving this success cannot be a function of a single individual; it requires team or shared leadership that will provide exceptional and excellent organisational governance. The research on which this article is based explored staff perceptions on the need or desire for shared leadership in a university; and their perception of college leadership as being inclusive.  To achieve this, a web-based survey was conducted among all University of South Africa College of Economic and Management Sciences staff. A 42.1% response rate (n=254) was achieved.  This approach allowed for index construction methodology, which supports longitudinal analysis whereby changes in performance ratings can be monitored over time. Such an approach is also ideal to measure the effect of corrective actions following from previous measurement periods.  The results showed that staff perceived leadership to promote inclusivity and that there were elements of shared leadership through consultative processes (index: 50 to 74). However, further research need to be conducted to establish the depth of this staff involvement and to ascertain the benefits that can result from such a symbiotic leadership relationship.

Key words: Higher education, decision making, shared leadership, staff participation.