Abstract
minor dissertation is dedicated to enhancing the leadership capacity of deans at a prominent public South African university through the implementation of leadership coaching. At the heart of the research is the question: How can deans' leadership coaching experiences and expectations at a public university be effectively incorporated into a leadership coaching framework?
To answer this query comprehensively, the study set several objectives. These included conducting both strategic and operational research on deans, researching contextual factors that influence their roles, gaining insights into the personal and career backgrounds shaping their professional journeys, analysing the experiences of recently appointed deans, assessing the effectiveness of leadership coaching on their performance and capabilities, and, crucially, conceptualising a coaching framework that could offer dedicated support to deans while contributing valuable insights to the broader field.
Through a thematic analysis of interviews with eight deans, the study brought to light the intricate nature of their roles, the challenges they face, and the indispensable role of coaching interventions in their professional development. While aligning with existing literature, the research introduced a comprehensive coaching framework that takes into account the personal backgrounds and challenges unique to each dean.
Despite inherent limitations, such as the focus on a single university, the study placed a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and participant comfort throughout the research process. The findings of the study identified six overarching themes in the experiences of executive deans, highlighting the significance of coaching interventions and proposing a tailored coaching framework that caters specifically to their needs.
This research provides invaluable insights into the nuanced coaching requirements of executive deans, offering not only a tailored framework but also practical recommendations for future research and implementation in the realm of higher education leadership coaching. In essence, the study serves as a foundational contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding leadership coaching in higher education.
Keywords
Leadership coaching framework, Dean, Higher Education, South Africa