Governance and Leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities: Insights from Institutional Theory

Abstract

University governance has become a critical concern in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to bureaucratic control, political interference, and limited institutional autonomy. This study explores governance practices, leadership behaviors, and institutional challenges across six public universities in KP using a qualitative approach informed by Institutional Theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Registrars, and Directors of Quality Enhancement Cells. Thematic analysis revealed seven key themes: regulatory influence and bureaucratic oversight, organizational culture and normative practices, adoption of external best practices, leadership and stakeholder management, resource limitations and strategic planning, accountability and transparency, and change and innovation adoption. Findings indicate that governance effectiveness is shaped by coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures, while participative leadership and strategic adoption of best practices facilitate better decision-making, transparency, and institutional development. The study contributes to understanding how governance reforms are implemented in provincial universities under complex socio-political and institutional constraints.