EXPLORING PLASMA LEADERSHIP IN TURKISH UNIVERSITIES: A DOCUMENT-BASED ADMINISTRATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This research aims to examine the duties of the rector, dean, department heads, and chairs of main science or main art disciplines (academic sub-units specific to the Turkish system, such as “ana bilim dalı” and “ana sanat dalı,” typically led by senior faculty within a department), who are in administrative positions in higher education, according to the academic organization regulations in universities in Turkey, within the framework of the plasma leadership concept. As a result of this examination, it is aimed to reveal the similarities and differences by examining the plasma leadership behaviors expected from people in managerial positions according to the duties assigned to them in accordance with the regulation and to contribute to the management process of higher education in Turkey. Another aim of this study is to contribute to the development of management practices in higher education in Turkey, to emphasize the importance and functionality of plasma leadership within the framework of educational management and, accordingly, to look at the duties of the rector, dean, department head and head of department from more original perspectives within the scope of plasma leadership. In this research conducted for these purposes, the document analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Official sources and regulations obtained on behalf of higher education, scientific articles, theses, journals and documents related to the subject accessed on the internet were used as data collection tools. The fact that higher education institutions achieve the goals determined in line with their visions, raise qualified individuals and innovative, self-improving faculty members who embrace academic values, and transform into higher education institutions open to development reveals the need for plasma leaders in higher education management. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the duties of the department heads, and chairs of main science or main art disciplines, who are in administrative positions in higher education, according to the academic organization regulations in universities in Turkey, are related to plasma leadership dimensions, and in this direction, it was concluded that people in managerial positions should adopt plasma leadership characteristics and exhibit effective plasma leadership behaviors and this study underscores their necessity and importance.