‘It is hard to be a leader among equals’: how faculty deans experience their working context, leadership of academic staff, and social support

Abstract

The faculty is the core academic unit of a university, with faculty deans occupying a pivotal role as chairs of academic departments and leaders of academic staff. Studies exploring the role of faculty deans have paid limited attention to their critical function in human resource leadership and the importance of social support. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of faculty deans, focusing on their work context, the challenges they encounter in leading academic staff, and their perceptions of social support. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with deans representing twelve faculties. The findings indicate that faculty deans operate with limited authority and unclear responsibilities within bureaucratic hierarchies, resulting in psychological strain and low job control. They face intense emotional demands–particularly in managing conflicts and addressing challenging personnel issues. Social support from professionals in human resource management emerged as essential; however, the broader support structures were minimal.