Impact of Procrastination on College Management: A Gender-Based Comparative Study of Government Colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study aims to assess and compare the level of procrastination among principals and vice Principals of public sector colleges operating under the Higher Education Department across various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 randomly selected respondents—50 from male colleges and 50 from female colleges—drawn from districts including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Battagram, Swabi, Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Dir, Kohat, and Chitral. The instrument focused on measuring procrastination in decision-making under pressing circumstances, utilizing a Procrastination Quotient (PQ) calculated from weighted responses across four agreement levels. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013, and findings were presented through descriptive statistics, tables, and graphs. Results reveal a significant prevalence of procrastination among college administrators, with male college principals demonstrating relatively lower PQ scores compared to their female counterparts. This suggests that male administrators exhibit more effective time management and decision-making practices. In contrast, higher procrastination levels in female colleges may be influenced by a combination of psychological, institutional, and socio-familial factors. While the current study focuses specifically on gender-based differences in procrastination, future research may extend to broader institutional, psychological, and organizational dynamics influencing college leadership performance. The study concludes that procrastination is a key barrier to efficient college administration, particularly in female-led institutions. It provides a foundation for future research and underscores the need for targeted administrative training, leadership development, and time management interventions to enhance governance in KP’s higher education sector.