Shared strategic leading: A substantive grounded theory of the leadership of academic deans of Centers of Excellence in higher education institutions in the Philippines

The study aimed at producing a substantive grounded theory of the leadership of academic deans of CHED (Commission on Higher Education) Centers of Excellence in Philippine Higher Education Institutions. The classic grounded theory method as developed by Dr. Barney G. Glaser himself was employed. Fourteen academic deans of Centers of Excellence in various regions of the Philippines participated in the study. Participant interviews were used as the primary source of data. Triangulation was accomplished through references found on the internet and literature. Data analysis was performed through open coding, then selective coding, and finally, through theoretical coding. The study concluded that Shared Strategic Leading predominantly describes the leadership of academic deans of Centers of Excellence in Philippine Higher Education Institutions. Results showed that it is influenced by the following factors: people skills, loyalty to the institution, and learning leadership. The study recommended that the results of this study be shared with other academic deans to inform them of the best shared strategic leadership practices of their colleagues, as well as with deans who are aspiring to improve the quality of their academic programs. Further research on academic deanship in the Philippines was also proposed.Keywords : shared strategic leading, academic dean, CHED Center of Excellence, higher education, classic grounded theory