SUSTAINABLE HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP: A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH FROM THE FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING

Abstract

Propose of the study: This paper intends to explore the concept of sustainable higher education leadership and to develop a propose conceptual approach of leadership for higher institutions of learning from the perspective of the functionalist paradigm.  The Methodology: The paper critically analyzed the concept of sustainable higher education leadership, explore the functionalist paradigm, and their relevance in leading higher institutions of learning. The paper have methodologically selected the three main concepts of the paradigm and link them with higher institutions of learning and work out a plan and modalities on how they could be applied in practice. Main Findings: The main findings and the contribution of the paper were identified in the two main sections. The first, explore the definitions and features of various functionalist paradigm and its dimensions within the cycle of leadership. While the second part of the paper synthesized the theories and discuss their relevance with sustainable leadership in higher education and systematically come up with a framework/model that is practically applicable within the context of higher educational institutions of learning. Applications of this study: This research can be applicable to the higher institutions of learning including Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges as well as Moto-technics.  Novelty/Originality of this study: This research paper has critically analyzed the functionalist paradigm with a specific focus on leadership and systematically come up with a framework/model on how such can be applied in the leadership of higher educational institutions of learning.