The roles of departmental heads in leading the adoption of digital culture in African higher education institutions

Abstract

The adoption of digital culture in African higher education institutions (HEIs) is critical for advancing teaching, research, and institutional efficiency. However, while much focus has been placed on infrastructure and student readiness, the pivotal role of departmental heads in driving digital transformation remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the roles departmental heads play in leading the adoption of digital culture in African HEIs. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten departmental heads, five junior lecturers, and five senior lecturers across various institutions in South Africa. Using thematic analysis, some key roles emerged: strategic leadership and vision setting, capacity building, resource mobilisation, policy implementation, innovation leadership, and student-centred transformation. These findings highlight how departmental heads act as both enablers and mediators of digital culture, bridging institutional policy with day-to-day academic realities. Despite facing infrastructural and cultural challenges, effective leadership at the departmental level was found to be essential for fostering a sustainable digital environment. The study recommends targeted leadership development programmes, policy integration of digital responsibilities, incentive structures, cross-departmental collaboration, infrastructure investment, and support for innovation. In conclusion, empowering departmental heads is crucial to embedding digital culture and achieving long-term digital transformation in African HEIs. Their strategic leadership serves as a cornerstone for cultivating inclusive, resilient, and future-ready academic institutions.