The Reality of Practicing Proactive Leadership from the Perspective of Faculty Members at the University of Bisha: A Mixed-Methods Study

The research aimed to examine the reality of proactive leadership at the University of Bisha from the perspective of faculty members, identify the requirements necessary to activate this type of leadership, and explore the challenges that hinder its implementation. In addition, it sought to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in proactive leadership practices based on academic rank and gender. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to achieve a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to faculty members and administrators (quantitative method), as well as in-depth interviews conducted with a group of administrators (qualitative method). The findings revealed relative agreement regarding proactive leadership practices, with variation in the perception of related challenges and requirements, and no statistically significant differences in leadership practices according to academic rank. Based on the results, the study recommends developing specialized training programs, updating university regulations to enhance flexibility, and improving institutional coordination and communication. This research enriches both theoretical and practical understanding of proactive leadership in Saudi universities and contributes to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in achieving institutional excellence and sustainable development.