Leadership competencies for women college presidents at health professions focused institutions: a Delphi study

Introduction While the role of the academic president has changed dramatically in the 21st century, research on leadership competencies that are considered important to attain the presidency remains limited. This is especially true for women’s leadership in the academic presidency. The aim of this study was to gather consensus from women college presidents of health professions focused institutions (HPFIs) on leadership competencies identified as important to their success and to develop competencies for future women leaders in the academic presidency. Methods A Delphi study was designed to build on the findings of a qualitative interview study conducted by the research team that explored the strengths, skills, experiences and attributes that women college presidents at HPFIs described as important to their success in attaining the presidency. From April to July 2024, a two-round Delphi study was conducted with 18 women college presidents at HPFIs who were recruited as experts using maximum variation. The first round gathered demographic information and asked experts to provide importance ratings on an initial list of 29 competencies and their respective descriptions. Content analysis of feedback from round one resulted in a revised listing of 32 competencies and their descriptions. In the second round, experts were asked to review the revised listing and to rate their level of agreement with each competency. Results Consensus was achieved among the 18 women college presidents regarding 32 leadership competencies (knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes) and their respective descriptions. Conclusion The results of this study provide leadership competencies that can serve as a valuable guide to women leaders who may be interested in the academic presidency. These competencies can also be beneficial in considering the different types of leadership development programmes to support advancement of women leaders in higher education and healthcare settings.