Higher Education Governance in the Kingdom of Bahrain

This qualitative study aims to explore the cognitive and social environmental factors influencing the strategic involvement of individual directors within Bahrain's HEIs. Specifically, by applying Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) selected constructs, this thesis seeks to propose an integrative framework for the individual directors in the Bahraini HEIs to maintain their active involvement in the strategic management processes and enable them to contribute to the overall board effectiveness. Thematic analysis revealed several significant findings. Firstly, it was evident that most of the sixteen Bahraini directors involved in this study possessed a high level of strategic thinking, which contributed to their active involvement in all strategic management stages. Findings also revealed a positive relationship between social cognitive factors and high involvement in strategic management. Furthermore, a triadic reciprocal relationship was found among behaviour, cognition, and the environment. Finally, results revealed that Bahraini directors' contribution and involvement in the strategic role positively impact their board effectiveness. The contribution of this thesis is in three areas. First it is the only work to shed light on the current strategic governance practices within the HEIs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Second is the development of an integrative framework to assist Bahraini HEIs directors in maintaining their active involvement in strategic management and enable them to contribute to the overall board effectiveness. Finally, by integrating the SCT, it enriches the literature by addressing the dynamic relationship between the strategic behaviour, cognitive, and social environmental factors.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Bradford

Author dc:creator

• Almanea, Manea A.M.R.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Irani, Zahir
• Sharif, Amir M.
• Eldabi, Tillal

• Kingdom of Bahrain
• Higher education
• Higher education institutions
• Governance
• Board of Directors
• Board of Trustees
• Strategy
• Strategic Involvement
• Strategic Management
• Social factors
• Cognitive factors

Statement dc:rights

• <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20687

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/20687