Leadership as an Enabler of IT Governance in Universities: Case Study of Namibian Universities

Abstract

Governance in the domain of Information Technology (IT) has gradually progressed into a strategic asset that empowers universities to synchronize and realign their technological aspirations with their institutional goals. In doing this, universities seek to maintain accountability in their decision-making processes. Within the Namibian higher education sector, the task of developing a functional IT governance framework entails more than merely applying technical tools. This is because it also requires strong leadership capabilities to ensure the relevance of such a framework. This research explored and examined how institutional leaderships facilitate IT governance within three prominent universities in Namibia. Using the mixed-methods approach, with data collected from the directors and professionals within IT departments of the universities and an amalgam of the Upper Echelon and Network Governance theories, the study explains how leadership traits, strategic institutional visions, and relational skills influence governance of IT in the universities. The findings of the study revealed that elements such as the dedicated leadership, digital proficiency, and collaboration of efforts and activities are crucial in developing an effective IT governance framework within the universities. The key conclusion of the study is that institutional leadership facilitates effective IT governance through elements such as shared vision, staff empowerment, and coordination of activities that synch structures of governance with the goals of universities. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends for upskilling of the institutional leaders, making IT governance a mandatory aspect within institutional structures, and installation of collaborative, yet, dynamic governance systems that promote accountability and innovation across institutional departments.