Content area
Full Text
Abstract
Grounded on Lewin's three-stage change model (1951) and an appreciation of the benefits of leadership theories and organizational change, this mixed-method case study sought to present stages in change implementation in an academic division of a Vietnamese university. In creating an effective working environment where lecturers collaborate in a constructive spirit to improve their teaching practices and learning outcomes, the authors recalled related theories to provide comprehensive guidance for their work. Semi-structured interviews, class observations, and questionnaires were used to verify the results' authenticity and validity. The study's findings showed that university teachers have the capacity to change their teaching quality and student preferences of their lecturers by investing more time preparing lectures and showing enthusiasm in the classroom. In this case study, the participants demonstrated a markedly higher level of job satisfaction and professional commitment when recognizing that they are needed and fully invested in themselves professionally. Based on the findings, specific policy and practice-related direction are provided to improve the quality of teaching in the academic division. Finally, the paper has implications for a better understanding of creating conducive learning environments for university students, in general and English-learning students, in particular.
Keywords: Leadership, Education, Organizational Change, Case Study, University, Vietnam
INTRODUCTION
Effective leadership and strategic change are two critical indicators of improvement in an organization (Chopra, 2019). The success of an organizational entity depends on its ability to manage struggles and change. Leadership is seen as the art of creating a group of people who are motivated to work towards mutual achievement. It is intended to guide workers and colleagues with a strategy to meet the organization's needs, demands, and requirements (Waldron, Vasanthakumar, & Arulraj, 1997). Leadership is often perceived differently, but it can be agreed that it is linked to influencing a group of individuals, both small and large, who share common goals. Leadership is thus the process of helping individuals to find meaning in their professions beyond the surfacelevel of finance, technology, or day-to-day processes (Kingsley, 2013). Leadership is one of the most engaging, inspiring, and satisfying activities that allow people to make progress, overcome adversity, change lives, and improve society (Clark, 2016). Change is another essential factor of organizational success. According to Daft (2020), change is a factor...