Exploring Management Competencies for Sustainable Leadership in Higher Education

This study explores the link between management competencies and sustainable leadership in higher education institutions in the Western Cape. It identifies key competencies for strategic leaders and policymakers to promote sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The goal is to support the development of sustainable leaders and practices that ensure long-term institutional prosperity Using a mixed method approach, the study gathers both qualitative and quantitative insights through a self-administered questionnaire, providing a comprehensive understanding of essential management competencies. The findings highlight that key competencies are crucial for organisational success, particularly in fostering sustainable growth and adaptive decision-making. It stresses the importance of leadership practices prioritising sustainability to ensure long-term institutional prosperity. The study offers a roadmap for integrating sustainability into higher education institutions and provides valuable guidance for leaders to enhance management competencies and strategic decision-making. The novelty of the research lies in its focus on identifying specific competencies for sustainable leadership, particularly within the Western Cape region, and combining qualitative and quantitative insights from stakeholders to offer a unique perspective on integrating sustainability into university management practices.