Developing Leadership Competencies in Higher Education Institutions in the Sultanate of Oman in Light of Selected International Experiences: Proposed Mechanisms

This study aimed to propose mechanisms for developing leadership competencies in higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman in light of selected international experiences. The study adopted a descriptive approach supported by comparative analysis through reviewing relevant literature, official documents, and previous studies. It also examined Oman’s efforts alongside selected experiences from Singapore, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.The findings revealed that Oman has made significant progress in developing leadership capacities within higher education institutions, supported by the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and national initiatives led by relevant institutions. The comparative analysis also highlighted several successful international practices, including the adoption of competency-based leadership frameworks, competency-based selection and development of leaders, talent management and leadership succession planning, practice-based leadership development, and systematic evaluation of leadership development outcomes .Based on the findings of the comparative analysis, the study proposed five key mechanisms: developing a national leadership competency framework for higher education institutions; enhancing competency-based selection of academic and administrative leaders; improving leadership development programs through institutional partnerships; adopting talent management and leadership succession planning; and establishing a comprehensive system for evaluating the impact of leadership competency development.