How University Leaders Strive in the Ranking System: A Case Study of a Young University in Indonesia Hastuti Naibaho(a), Juliana Hutasuhut(b), Endang Pitaloka(a*)
a. Department of Management & Jaya Launch Pad, Universitas Pembangunan Jaya, Indonesia
*oka[at]upj.ac.id
b. Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, University Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Abstract
Ranking systems among higher education institutions become the strong demand for accountability and evidence of quality at the national and global levels. Many studies found the significant role of leaders in bringing their institution to the top level of performance. However, not many studies examine how university leader, particularly from South East Asia lift up their institution to meet the national and global ranking criteria. How do the university leaders play their roles in improving the universities ranking? This is a qualitative case study conducted at a private university in Indonesia, that is relatively young but manages to achieve prestigious achievements. A purposeful sampling technique was used to select the participants with the criteria: hold the leadership position for a minimum of one-year duration to ensure that they are part of the university policymaker and the ones who develop the strategy. The participants of this study consist of one Rector, two Deputy Rector, two Deans, ten Head of Study programs under two faculties, one Director of Unit, and five Department heads. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the audio-recorded data were transcribed and analysed using content analysis. This study found that leaders perceive the ranking system as a benchmark tool and as goals in spurring performance to always be better. However, as a relatively young university, the leaders realize that they must be wise in choosing a really good ranking system, and must also consider the readiness of their human resources. If the leaders set the goal too high, it can cause too much pressure and create a counterproductive.
Keywords: Organizational Learning- Role of Leader- University Rank, Competitiveness
Topic: Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Human Resources Management
