Rapid Digitalization in Pandemic Times: Investigation of the Leadership Role in Managing Information and Communication Overload in Higher Education Institutions in Kuwait ^†

Abstract

The advancement of technology paved the way for significant improvements in higher education institutions (HEIs) as much as it was associated with sizable pressures for individuals, implied by the challenging task of managing enormous volume of information from digital communication channels. This research is addressing two main objectives. First, explore the extent of Information and Communication Overload (ICO) that accompanied the digital transformation in Kuwaiti HEIs and accelerated amidst the Covid19 pandemic. Second, assess the conditions that are/could be used in those organizations to mitigate ICO and any of its adverse effects.

1. Objectives

This research aims to explore the extent of information and communication overload (ICO) that accompanied the rapid digital transformation in Kuwaiti higher education institutions (HEIs) during the pandemic and to assess whether leadership could help mitigate its adverse effects. Evidence shows that several Middle Eastern HEIs are increasingly engaged in digital transformation [1] and entrepreneurial modernization and diversification [2].

2. Methodology

This study adopted a qualitative approach based on in-depth semi-structured one-on-one interviews with three academic managers working in three different Kuwaiti HEIs. This approach is recommended for exploratory studies tackling evolving phenomena [3]. The researchers conducted the interviews for a period of 45 minutes with each participant. Notes were taken during the meetings, and interviews were recorded for the data analysis, completed using the coding process.

3. Results

The collected evidence highlights the central role of leadership in mitigating the magnitude of ICO in higher education settings. Leaders should streamline the amount of information and the number of communications flowing within their units. Courtesy, employee empowerment, and proactive planning also seem to be determinant leadership features that limit ICO. The latter involves a careful selection of change initiatives based on the efficient use of available resources.

4. Implications

This study emphasizes the increasing exposure of academics to the phenomenon of ICO, as explained by the amount of disruptive information that they receive. This implies that HEIs’ leadership should play a significant role in managing the enormous volume of information from digital communication channels. A second implication derives from the exploratory nature of this study, which raises a number of opportunities for future research, such as the impact of servant leadership on ICO.

5. Originality Value

HEIs experienced significant difficulties in digital transformation during the pandemic, such as insufficient funding for substantive digitalization, staff unpreparedness, and resistance to change [4,5,6,7,8]. Therefore, HEIs represent an appropriate field of research to explore the aspects of ICO in the digital era, and analyze the organizational responses brought to them. To date, almost no studies have focused on the academic leadership role in limiting the effects of ICO.

6. Contribution

This research would contribute to the enhancement of the knowledge background in the area of ICO by addressing the nature of leadership support in the higher education sector, which has been overlooked in previous studies. The outcomes would represent useful guidance for HEIs in the Middle East and worldwide about dealing with ICO using a multilevel approach. Indeed, several researchers have acknowledged ICO as the source of various forms of strain for workers, including stress and job dissatisfaction [9,10,11].