In today’s higher education landscape, university administrators face mounting challenges, ranging from interpersonal disputes among staff to complex institutional conflicts, that can undermine leadership effectiveness and institutional harmony. How do academic leaders navigate these pressures while maintaining ethical, principled decision-making?
Uganda Christian University is proud to highlight research by Dr. Prossy Nalwadda, a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, that addresses this critical question. Her study, “Examining How Makerere University Academic Deans Utilize Their Psychological Capital Resilience in the Management of Conflicts,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychology (Vol. 17, No. 2, February 2026) by Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP). The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Nuwagaba, showcasing the strength of teamwork in advancing academic scholarship.
Understanding Psychological Capital Resilience
The study explores how academic deans at Makerere University draw on psychological capital resilience; a combination of self-confidence, emotional regulation, optimism, and adaptive problem-solving, to manage and mitigate conflicts within their schools.
Through in-depth interviews with 14 deans across nine colleges, the research reveals:
Resilience Assets: Deans leverage emotional control, stable personality traits, self-reflection, and professional networks to lead effectively in high-pressure situations.
Resilience Risks: Fatigue, stress, reduced motivation, and diminished confidence can compromise conflict management efforts if left unaddressed.
Values and Meaning-Making: Ethical principles, faith-based perspectives, and personal values guide deans in interpreting and responding to challenges, highlighting the human dimension of leadership.
Policy and Practice Implications
The study offers actionable insights for university leadership development and institutional policy:
Strengthening Leadership Training: Developing psychological resilience skills improves conflict outcomes and institutional harmony.
Flexible Conflict Resolution Frameworks: Adopting adaptable, context-sensitive policies enhances effective conflict management.
Well-Being Support Systems: Supporting leaders’ emotional and psychological health is essential for sustainable governance.
By combining psychological theory with the lived experiences of academic managers, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of resilience and leadership in higher education—especially within African contexts.
Access the full article and download the PDF from here: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=149742
Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi