Indonesian Journal of Management and Economic Research
Vol 2 No 01 (2025): Indonesian Journal of Management and Economic Research

Higher Education Leadership and Policy Implementation: A Qualitative Exploration of Strategic Decision-Making

Dewiana Novitasari (Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia)
Didi Sutardi (Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia, Indonesia)
Firdaus Putra (Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia, Indonesia)
Masduki Asbari (Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia, Indonesia)
Nelson Silitonga (Universitas Insan Pembangunan Indonesia, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jun 2025

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the strategic decision-making practices of higher education leaders in Indonesia during the implementation of national policy directives. Drawing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research employs a thematic analysis approach to investigate how rectors, deans, and senior academic administrators interpret, negotiate, and enact educational reforms. The findings reveal three interrelated leadership dynamics: strategic mediation, symbolic and practical alignment, and distributed decision spaces. Through a dialectical engagement with strategic leadership and institutional theory, the study develops an integrative conceptual model that reconceptualizes policy implementation as an iterative and context-sensitive process. This model contributes theoretical novelty by synthesizing competing paradigms and offers practical insights for advancing reflexive, policy-literate leadership in complex governance environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJOMER

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Focus and Scope The International Journal of Management and Economic Research (IJOMER) is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding in the fields of management and economics. The journal embraces a broad Focus and Scope, encompassing a diverse range of topics within these disciplines. Key ...