Accidental Leaders: Experiences and Perspectives of Higher Education Leaders in Pakistan

This research explored the experiences and perspectives of university leaders in Pakistan. Using a qualitative narrative approach, we explored leadership stories, challenges, and opportunities at various positions unique to the Pakistani context. Findings underscored the accidental nature of higher education leadership in Pakistan, the significance of mentoring provided by teachers and family support for nascent academic leaders, as well as the challenges these academic leaders face ranging from financial barriers to teaching quality issues, to retention of foreign qualified faculty. The research offers several policy recommendations including institutionalized leadership training and support for promising leaders; transparency in policies regarding leader appointment, promotion, and succession; support for existing universities rather than expansion; and addressing brain drain due to the attrition of foreign qualified faculty members.