Professional Development at Higher Education Institutions: Role of HoDs as Instructional Leaders

The present study investigated how university HODs support the faculty members’ professional development as instructional leaders. This study used the quantitative method and adopted a survey design for collected data. The study’s population included all HODs and faculty members of both sectors (public and private) who are currently working in both sectors in Punjab, Pakistan. Data was collected from various departments of both sectors. A sample of 150 HoDs and 300 faculty member was collected randomly. Data was collected by self-developed questionnaires for HoD with cronbach alpha reliability (r =.89) and for faculty (r=.95). To analyze the data descriptive stats and t-tests were used. No statistical differences were found in the opinion between HODs and faculty members. The findings indicated that University HODs role as instructional leader is very important to promote professional development and enhancing teaching and learning of faculty and students. HoDs are involved in promoting professional development activities and opportunities for the faculty. The study suggested some administrative measures for the improvement of the professional development situation in universities.