Effective Change Management for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This study scrutinized the prevailing platform wherein change management is being practiced in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) as per the theoretical argument of implementing change programs with their long-term consequences in mind.  In this study the researcher investigated the change management protocol of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) since the education sector is identified as the key to unlocking the economic potentials of the country. However, the sector is earnestly constrained by a number of factors which include, but not limited to, poor change management protocols. Hence, in this study the researcher aspired to make a theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge related to change management protocols in EHEIs. In view of that, this research is fundamentally designed to observe the change management protocol of EHEIs; and put forward change management practices that bring about sustainable development in the institutions and beyond.  Thus, the study primarily focused on identifying effective leadership styles to be followed during periods of change and how it can generate positive change that helps the attainment of sustainable developmental goals in EHEIs. The paper also discussed leaders’ roles and deeds for effective management of change. A qualitative approach based on an extensive review of relevant literature is used to draw conclusions and recommendations. Accordingly, comprehensive enquiry of the data collected for the purpose of this study revealed that the development of new knowledge or insights that have the potential to influence behavior is the most important success factor for effective sustainable development. On the other hand, failure to progressively institutionalize change initiatives is the core cause why change initiatives often fail in EHEIs. The research findings, therefore, disclose that organizational learning should take place within the wide institutional context of inter-organizational relationships and an organization’s acquisition of understanding, know-how, techniques and practices of any kind of change and by any means need to be stimulated. Conclusively, the paper stresses that effective leadership is the key to success of every organization, for EHEIs to achieve sustainable development, the senior management of the institutions have greater role to play. Turning institutions to learning organizations and adoption of transformational leadership style are recommended for effective change management process.

Keywords: Adaptation, Change Management, Organizational Learning, Organizational Leadership, Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-7-03

Publication date: April 30^th 2020