The Role of Stakeholder Participation in Enhancing Sustainable Governance of Higher Education with an Organizational Excellence Approach
Keywords:
Social Capital, Organizational Excellence, Stakeholder Participation, Higher Education, Sustainable GovernanceAbstract
This study aimed to examine how stakeholder participation contributes to strengthening sustainable governance in higher education and its link to organizational excellence. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was applied. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 higher education experts, senior administrators, and faculty members and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data were obtained via a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 55 indicators distributed among more than 300 faculty members. The quantitative phase employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Instrument validity and reliability were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and Fornell–Larcker criteria. Model fit was assessed using GOF, SRMR, and R² indices. Results revealed that stakeholder participation had a significant direct effect on sustainable higher education governance (β = 0.47, p < 0.01) and positively influenced organizational excellence (β = 0.42, p < 0.01). Sustainable governance played a mediating role in enhancing the indirect impact of stakeholder participation on organizational excellence. Key determinants included trust and social capital, transparency and accountability, and the alignment of national policies with universities’ actual needs. Effective and structured stakeholder participation is a cornerstone of sustainable higher education governance, strengthening decision-making quality, legitimacy, and long-term organizational excellence. The study provides a contextually adapted framework to guide policymakers and university leaders in designing responsive, transparent, and participatory governance systems that foster sustainability and continuous improvement.
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