2007
ISBN: 9781876851309
eBook (PDF download): $9.95
Paperback currently sold out.
This book addresses the gap in our understanding of the processes in place to recruit and select vice-chancellors (VCs) for Australian universities. With the growing corporatisation of universities, one would expect that they would be managed and led in ways similar to those in use in the private sector. We know quite a deal about the role and incumbents but not how VCs are appointed. In the process of this inquiry, the book identifies a paradox concerning the fact that many of the successful candidates do not come from a ‘business’ discipline or the business community as might be expected for a role considered to be the Chief Executive Officer of the institution.
Thus this qualitative study thoroughly researches the recruitment and selection practices in use, attempts to determine their effectiveness and addresses the paradox in order to provide a detailed framework that allows these elements to be explained. This monograph presents original and valuable research into a field of study for which no comparable literature exists in Australia or internationally.
Testimonials
“Bernard O’Meara and Stanley Petzall have written a significant and scholarly body of literature addressing the changes in educational leadership in Australia. Although the academic titles differ, the changes in the requirements of leadership for universities parallel and reflect major changes impacting higher education around the world. Today’s academic leadership is driven by strategic planning, budgetary constraints, political influence while creating an environment of intellectual growth and personal development. Part CEO, part politician, part public relations expert and even part-time security analyst, academic leaders must exceed their business counterparts with their breadth of knowledge and professional acumen. O’Meara and Petzall have written a comprehensive study of the future of education not only for Australia but for higher education through out the world.”
Karen M. (Guthrie) Videtic
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, VIRGINIA, USA
“The diversity and complexity of the leadership role of the 21st century vice-chancellor is well captured in this monograph.”
Professor Kerry O. Cox
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT, EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA
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