An Exploratory Study on Effective Leadership and Change Management in the Transformation of Indonesian Public Universities Towards World-Class University Status

Makna Ani Marlia, Rahmi Fahmy, Hendra Lukito () and Donard Games
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Makna Ani Marlia: Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Andalas, Padang 25163, Indonesia
Rahmi Fahmy: Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Andalas, Padang 25163, Indonesia
Hendra Lukito: Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Andalas, Padang 25163, Indonesia
Donard Games: Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Andalas, Padang 25163, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-40

Abstract: This study aims to examine the influence of leadership styles on institutional transformation and to identify adaptive strategies for effective change management in the context of Indonesian Public Universities (PTNs) striving to achieve world-class university (WCU) status. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 125 universities through a hybrid questionnaire method involving Rectors, Directors, Vice Rectors, and Vice Directors as representatives. This study employed logistic regression to analyze the influence of leadership styles on the likelihood of PTNs achieving WCU status, alongside Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for deeper insights. The study results indicate that transcollegial leadership increases the likelihood of universities achieving WCU status by 35%, while digital and entrepreneurial leadership contribute 25% and 20%, respectively. The primary challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, resistance to change, and regulatory limitations. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions by identifying adaptive leadership strategies tailored to the unique contexts of PTNs. This study is significant as it addresses the leadership challenges specific to Indonesian public universities in their pursuit of international recognition, providing practical and theoretical insights for achieving sustainable transformation. Future research could examine how leadership styles interact with institutional policies and external factors, such as global rankings and funding mechanisms, to achieve and sustain WCU status. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different regions or educational systems could provide broader insights into effective strategies for institutional transformation.

Keywords: leadership; change management; Indonesian public universities; world-class university (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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