Strategies for Realizing Managers’ Competencies in the Iraqi Higher Education System: A Case Study of the University of Tikrit
Keywords:
Iraq, university, higher education system, Manager CompetenciesAbstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify and articulate effective strategies for realizing managerial competencies within the Iraqi higher education system, focusing on the University of Tikrit.
Methodology: A mixed-method design was employed, consisting of qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 experts, and data were analyzed using systematic content analysis with open and axial coding. Validity was ensured through coder review and participant verification. In the quantitative phase, a descriptive-survey approach was applied, and a sample of 280 university experts and managers was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings and analyzed through statistical software and structural equation modeling.
Findings: Findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated strong goodness-of-fit, and all identified competency strategies were statistically significant. Key strategies included performance evaluation and professional development, managerial support and strengthening, strategic goal-setting and planning, promotion of research and knowledge development, persuasive and influential skills, use of social networks for knowledge exchange, and linking evaluations to development. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed adequate construct validity and strong factor loadings across components.
Conclusion: The study concludes that adopting structured competency strategies can substantially enhance managerial effectiveness in higher education. The resulting model offers a practical framework for improving professional capability, strengthening decision-making quality, and supporting organizational development in Iraqi universities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Haseeb Aftean Ali (Author); Mohammad Ali Nadi; Khaled Ahmad Jasim, Saeid Sharifi (Author)
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