A Study of Leadership and Management in a UK University

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, it would give me great pleasure to show my gratitude to my professor, for his propositions, remarks, understanding and patience. It would also be an honour to express gratitude to my parents, my mother, my father, my sister and my brother for their endless support in my life and allowing me to make all my decisions. I would also like to take the opportunity to show appreciation to my co-workers for their expert cooperation on every occasion. I would also like to be grateful to the Department, managers of the university, instructors and students who have supported me throughout this research.

DECLARATION

I declare that the content presented in this thesis/dissertation is, in my understanding and opinion, original and has not been presented for scholarly assessment in the past, either completely or partly, for an academic degree at this educational institution or elsewhere. I would also like to admit that I have studied and understood the principles, prerequisites, processes and guidelines of the University regarding the higher academic degree research award and to my dissertation. I would also like to declare that I have abided by the University's principles, prerequisites, processes and guidelines.

ABSTRACT

The main research centred on issues of qualities / qualifications and leadership styles / traits of appointed academic middle managers. It also tried to establish if there were differences in managing academic tribes and other issues surrounding gender, trust and power. This report details the findings from an initial (pilot) study conducted as the pre-cursor to a doctoral research to be completed in the next two years.

The main focus of this study was on academic middle management set in the context of a UK university. With the assumption that academic managers' main function is to support their students and to support their staff, the research concentrated on the appointment process, the qualities and qualifications of an appointed manager.

The question of leader or manager was investigated, mainly by collecting personal opinions from the manager / leader. The underlying aim of the initial study had been to validate the methodology, both in terms of the chosen paradigm and the instrument, as well as identifying any gaps / limitations, in the proposed main research.

The initial study revealed a couple of issues, which were not initially considered. The issues surrounding women leaders (gender issues) were not considered to be significant in the initial proposal. Also the issue relating to 'tension' between colleagues (superiors) which may hinder career progression had not been highlighted until now.

The methodological considerations proved to be successful and as such will be adopted in the main research. Completing the initial study has been a worthwhile experience, however, it must be noted that the main study will require further theoretical and analytical considerations.

TABLE OF CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

ABSTRACTiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Research Background3

Identifying the Problem8

Research Aims and Objectives11

Research Questions13

Research Method14

Significance and Outcome of the Study14

The Thesis in Context15

Background of the researcher15

The Selected University16

The Research Context18

Structure of the Thesis19

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW22

Section 122

Motivation25

Motivation Theories27

Maslow's Theory of ...