The Role of Leadership in Academic Culture in Diverse Scientific Communities: A Systematic Literature Review

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 485 - 540, 30.06.2025

Zeinab Peyravinejad , Mieke Van Houtte Rahmatallah Marzooghi

https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1551536

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review investigates effective leadership mechanisms for navigating cultural diversity in universities. It aims to identify key leadership practices that contribute to a positive and inclusive academic environment.
Methodology: A systematic review methodology was employed. Electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched using predefined search strings to identify relevant studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the studies addressed leadership mechanisms for shaping culture. The search yielded 22 studies published between 1979 to 2020.
Findings: Through a meta-synthesis of the included studies, a comprehensive framework with four key dimensions emerged:
Pre-organizational: This dimension focuses on the leader's personal and professional background that shapes their approach to cultural diversity.
Operational: This dimension explores leadership practices and strategies implemented to manage cultural diversity within the university.
Output: This dimension examines the tangible outcomes of effective leadership in fostering a positive cultural environment.
Feedback: This dimension highlights the importance of feedback mechanisms that inform adjustments and improvements in leadership practices.
Originality: This systematic review offers a novel contribution by synthesizing existing research and proposing a comprehensive framework for effective leadership in culturally diverse universities. This framework goes beyond individual studies by providing a holistic view of leadership effectiveness across all stages.

Keywords

Leadership , Leadership Mechanisms , Organizational Culture , Academic Culture , Cultural Diversity.

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