Improving university governance capacity for administrative staff: A case of Vietnam

Developing university governance capacity for administrative staff is an issue with an important role and significance for universities within academic and administrative spheres. However, administrative staff in Vietnamese higher education institutions encounter barriers to effective governance, primarily due to a lack of specialized training and professional development opportunities. This shortage results in a deficit of the necessary skills and competencies for proficient leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning across academic and administrative domains. Threfore, this study aims to propose potential measures to improve university governance capacity for administrative staff based on assessment of the current state of governance capacity of administrative staff of universities in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam. The study used a scale for to gather quantitative data from 300 participants at 11 public universities in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam to assess the level of university governance capacity of administrative staff. The study found that administrative staff in universities in Vietnam may lack key skills needed for effective governance. These skills include defining the university's mission, vision, and goals, planning policies, managing finances, and building relationships. The findings underscore the importance of improving the capabilities of administrative personnel to better meet the demands of higher education in Vietnam. The study suggests specific measures to improve the governance skills of administrative staff in Vietnamese higher education to support sustainable growth and create a dynamic academic environment that meets the changing needs of students, faculty, and the community.