Lived Experiences of Campus Directors in Administrative Roles: A Narrative Inquiry

This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining the experiences of campus directors in administrative roles. Specifically, it investigates their successes, challenges, and decision-making processes to gain a deeper understanding of their professional journeys. Through personal narratives, the study seeks to explore the realities of their roles and identify the factors that shape their leadership and management approaches. A qualitative narrative inquiry approach was employed. Using purposive sampling, eight participants were selected based on their tenure in directorial roles. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and open-ended questionnaires, yielding rich and nuanced insights. A hybrid analytical method combining Narrative Inquiry Space and thematic analysis was used to interpret the findings. The findings revealed five major themes: (1) interpersonal leadership through teamwork and collaboration; (2) navigating the campus directorship journey amid administrative challenges; (3) personal qualities and professional competence as foundations of effective leadership; (4) diplomatic resource management for institutional growth and faculty empowerment; and (5) integrated leadership and holistic management practices. Participants’ narratives highlighted how campus directors balance diverse responsibilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to the evolving demands of their roles. The study concludes that effective campus leadership is shaped by a combination of strong interpersonal relationships, professional competence, strategic resource management, and a holistic approach to administration. The experiences shared by the participants demonstrate the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and ethical leadership in achieving institutional goals. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening interpersonal and leadership skills, fostering collaboration among campus directors, promoting strategic and diplomatic resource management, and cultivating integrity, empathy, and visionary leadership to support institutional development and positive stakeholder engagement.