A Proposed Strategy to Enhance the Role of College Deans in the Administrative Empowerment of Faculty Members at Palestinian Universities in the Southern Governorates

Abstract

The study aimed to develop a proposed strategy to enhance the role of college deans in the administrative empowerment of faculty members at Palestinian universities in the southern governorates, by identifying the current role from the faculty members' perspective and examining differences in their mean ratings attributable to gender, academic rank, job position, and years of service. The researcher employed the descriptive-analytical approach, administered a questionnaire to a sample of 292 faculty members (28% of the 1,026-member population), and consulted a focus group of experts and specialists in academic administration to inform the development of the proposed strategy. The study produced a proposed strategy comprising a vision, mission, goals, objectives, and specific procedures. The role of college deans in administrative empowerment was rated high, and the dimensions were ranked as follows: teamwork, delegation, participation in decision-making, and effective communication (high means), followed by creative behavior and motivation (moderate). The study recommended using and further developing the strategy in light of specialists' views and the needs of Palestinian universities; training college deans in administrative empowerment; promoting a culture of empowerment among faculty members; and strengthening trust between university leadership and faculty members.