Lived Experiences of Campus Directors as Managers in a Philippine State University

Abstract

The 21^st century has introduced new challenges to the educational managers brought about by the fast changing world. Educational managers in a Philippine State University had to perform their administrative duties with the same competence parallel to their unwritten obligations. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of campus directors as managers in a Philippine state university. This study utilized the qualitative-descriptive research design using a one-on-one interview. The participants of the study comprised of seven campus directors from the different campuses in the islands of Romblon. Using qualitative content analysis, three themes emerged. The first theme was “experience on becoming a campus director”. Most of the campus directors shared their experiences before assumption, their adjustment period, and learning the ropes of management. The second theme was “challenges in becoming a manager”. It showed that most of them dealt with their complex managerial roles, managing the employees, students, facilities and the stakeholders. The third theme was “self-concept as a manager”. The essence of being a campus director disclosed that management/leadership can be developed and expanded over time. It is recommended that skills and knowledge gained through preparation can be supplemented by on-going training and mentoring. Trainings, specifically leadership-training programs should include critical reflection activities, such as comparing previous experience with the new experiences, self-evaluating, and challenging old worldviews. Moreover, the campus directors should develop time management and conceptual skills to address their hectic administrative tasks. It requires them to provide time to focus on ideas and be able to see the big picture of what the organization wanted to attain. Further, to respond effectively to the transformation challenges that managers in higher education and elsewhere are faced with, new skills and leadership practices will have to be acquired. This will require the ability for continuous personal transformation and life-long learning.