Navigating Through Change Implementation Barriers in Institution of Learning

Abstract

Globalization, fiscal and budgetary constraints, upsurge enrolment, international competition for ranking, advent of advance Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), pressure for accountability from the government and public, request for job-ready university products are some of new waves of change calling for different modifications in our citadels of learning at all levels. Leaders therein need to brace up to embrace the new norms and adjust accordingly. They need to accommodate international dimensions to compete in the global world, modify their curriculum to entail soft skills, provide open learning, advance online learning and artificial intelligence, review institution mission, restructure administration for quality assurance, create encompassing activities in order to significantly contribute to 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, change implementation is imperative. However, it is not an easy task. It always faces resistance and other challenges which leaders need to carefully and systemically bypass. This paper discussed various dimensions of change initiatives, causes of resistance and how to successfully navigate through change implementation hurdles. The discussion of the paper will help leaders in different institutions of learning to be battle ready for any type of change necessary to be implemented and able to successfully skip through the change process. It is recommended that leaders of various institutions of learning should embrace the new norms and adjust accordingly, acclimatize to the various dimensions of change initiatives, causes of resistance and learn how to successfully navigate through change implementation.