Internal University Leading Function in Promoting Knowledge Economy in Tanzania

  • Martha Mkasafari Shio Uganda Christian University Mukono
  • Wilson Eduan, PhD Uganda Christian University Mukono
  • Mary Kagoire, PhD Uganda Christian University Mukono
Keywords: Knowledge Economy, University Leadership, Internal Management, Commercialization, Institutional Policies
Share Article:

Abstract

In response to the evolving demands of the knowledge economy (KE), Tanzanian universities are transforming their internal management practices to enhance effectiveness, competitiveness, and relevance. The study focuses on how universities manage activities that support knowledge creation, dissemination, and innovation. Data from 30 university leaders, gathered through document reviews and interviews, were thematically analysed. Findings reveal that leading include dynamism, empowerment, vision, and transparency motivate researchers to produce impactful academic research work with commercialization potential. However, the heavy reliance on institutional policies pushing rapid publication for promotion results in rushed, low-quality studies. The study emphasizes the need for leadership that goes beyond policy enforcement, fostering research with commercial value by leveraging personal leading qualities and providing adequate resources like grants and training

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alzghoul, A., Algraibeh, K. M., Khawaldeh, K., Khaddam, A. A., & Al-Kasasbeh, O. (2023). Nexus of strategic thinking, knowledge-oriented leadership, and employee creativity in higher education institutes. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(4), e01107-e01107.

Bejinaru, R. (2017). Universities in the knowledge economy. International Journal of Education and Research, 5(10), 27-38.

Bertelsen, M. (1998). The impact of neo-liberalism on higher education: The case of South Africa. Higher Education Review, 30(2), 47-62.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101

Burhan, Q.-u. and Khan, M.A. (2024). From identification to innovation: how empowering leadership drives organizational innovativeness. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 45(3), 478-498. https://doi.org/10.11

Chen, M. (2021). Intellectual capital and its role in business performance: A study of the manufacturing sector in Taiwan. SAGE Open, 11(1).

Choong, Y. Y., & Leung, P. (2021). Knowledge exchange and organizational performance in higher education institutions. Higher Education, 81(1), 1-16.

Elrehail, H., Emeagwali, O. L., Alsaad, A., & Alzghoul, A. (2018). The impact of transformational and authentic leadership on innovation in higher education: The contingent role of knowledge sharing. Telematics and Informatics, 35(1), 55-67.

Farazmand, A. (2018). The role of higher education in promoting economic development: A review of the literature. International Journal of Public Administration, 41(8), 675-683. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2017.1374540

Finegold, D. (2006). The role of education and training in economic growth and productivity: A review of the evidence. New England Journal of Public Policy, 22(1), 1-19.

Gui, L., Lei, H., & Le, P. B. (2022). Determinants of radical and incremental innovation: the influence of transformational leadership, knowledge sharing and knowledge-centered culture. European Journal of Innovation Management, 25(5), 1221-1241.

Hadad, A. (2017). The role of higher education in the knowledge economy. International Journal of Education and Research, 5(3), 55-66.

Jessop, B. (2017). The state and the economy in the knowledge economy: Towards a knowledge economy framework. New Political Economy, 22(1), 1-15.

Juma, C., Kiteme, B., & Rukwata, S. (2001). Science and technology for development: The role of higher education. The Journal of Higher Education in Africa, 3(1), 103-124.

Kahangwa, M. (2017). Good leadership and academic marketing skills in universities. Journal of Higher Education in Africa, 14(1), 25-39.

Laal, M. (2010). The knowledge economy and the role of higher education. International Journal of Information Science and Management, 8(1), 29-41.

Leibowitz, B., Bozalek, V., Van Schalkwyk, S., & Winberg, C. (2015). The role of leadership in promoting professionalism in higher education. Higher Education, 69(4), 623-636.

Manu, A. (2022). Transformational leadership. In The Philosophy of Disruption: From Transition to Transformational Change (pp. 67-77). Emerald Publishing Limited.

Marginson, S. (2009). Higher education in the global knowledge economy. The Australian Educational Researcher, 36(2), 1-19.

Moiseev, N., Pozdnyakov, S., & Makarova, E. (2019). Higher education’s role in the knowledge economy: Trends and challenges. European Journal of Higher Education, 9(4), 420-437.

Moyo, L., & McKenna, H. (2021). Administrative constraints in higher education: The impact on knowledge economy programs. International Journal of Educational Management, 35(4), 563-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-01-2020-0005

Nuel, O. I. E., Ifechi, A. N., & Emmanuella, U. I. (2021). Transformational leadership and organizational success: Evidence from tertiary institutions. Journal of Economics and Business, 4(1).

OECD. (2003). The economic impact of knowledge: A synthesis of key findings from the OECD project on the economic impact of knowledge. OECD Publishing.

Okebula, F. (2019). The role of higher education in building a knowledge-driven economy. Presented at Botswana University.

Poutanen, P. (2022). The role of universities in the knowledge economy: A global perspective. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 20(4), 565-581.

Puukka, J., & Marmolejo, F. (2008). Higher education in the knowledge economy: Perspectives and initiatives. International Journal of Educational Management, 22(5), 442-458.

Ross, A. (2021). Human capital: A fundamental component of economic development. Economic Development Quarterly, 35(1), 44-57.

Shattock, M. (2009). Leadership in higher education: The role of intellectual and visionary leadership. Higher Education Management and Policy, 21(2), 49-62.

Shumaila, H. (2022). The influence of the knowledge economy on business in Asia. Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies, 29(2), 151-168.

Stankosky, M. (2005). Creating the discipline of knowledge management: The evolving role of higher education. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(2), 34-46.

Subiyakto, B., Widyanti, R., Basuki, & Syaharuddin, . (2020). Revitalizing public university innovativeness through learning organization. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 21(1), 369-381.

Taborga, J. (2011). The knowledge revolution and its impact on the economy: Understanding the new paradigms.

Tchamyou, V. S. (2016). The role of information economy in Africa. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies, 11(1), 45-68.

United Republic of Tanzania (URT). (2010). National Research and Development Policy. Government Printer.

United Republic of Tanzania (URT). (2022). Higher Education Report 2022. Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Walumbwa, F. O., Christensen, A. L., & Hailey, F. (2011). Authentic leadership and the knowledge economy: Sustaining motivation and trust among knowledge workers. Organizational dynamics, 40(2), 110-118.

Published
8 October, 2024
How to Cite
Shio, M., Eduan, W., & Kagoire, M. (2024). Internal University Leading Function in Promoting Knowledge Economy in Tanzania. East African Journal of Education Studies, 7(4), 191-203. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.7.4.2273