My article-based dissertation aims to extend the body of knowledge concerning collaborative leadership (CL) in higher education institutions (HEIs), especially from a cultural and gender viewpoint. The main focus of this dissertation is how CL is understood and whether it is relevant − or even possible to be used – in the socio-cultural context where top-down leadership and male preference in leadership are appreciated. This dissertation study investigates CL in the Pakistani sociocultural context, where hierarchical relations, top-down leadership model, and male dominance in leadership are typical.
Theoretically, the dissertation contributes by producing critical information for leadership research, questioning the notion that leadership, such as collaborative leadership, could be applied in the same way regardless of the socio-cultural context in which leadership occurs. In particular, the dissertation focuses on women’s chances to participate in CL. From a practical viewpoint, my dissertation offers important knowledge about the practice of CL in an increasingly globalized organizational life. Responsible leadership to advance gender equality and inclusive workplaces is increasingly needed in contemporary higher education institutions globally to be successful and sustainable. Such information is crucial, for example, to expatriates as well as managers in multicultural organizations.
The theoretical framework of the dissertation consists of the following approaches: CL theory and gender, cultural theory, and the logic of appropriateness in decision-making. My dissertation study draws on various methodological approaches: conceptual analysis, qualitative content analysis, and thematic analysis. In the empirical studies, phenomenological research tradition using the case study approach and critical incident method (CIT) as an interviewing techniques were used. In total, 24 face-to-face, open-ended interviews were conducted with leaders and employees to find their real-life challenges and experiences concerning the research phenomenon for the whole dissertation.
My dissertation consists of two main parts. The first part deals with an introductory essay, and the second part consists of four studies on the topic.
