Navigating VUCA and BANI environments in higher education: A qualitative meta-analysis and framework for adaptive academic leadership
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/jas.v23i3.11608Keywords:
Academic leadership, VUCA, BANI, Higher education, Leadership agility, Institutional resilienceAbstract
Contemporary higher education operates under volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), complemented by brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible (BANI) conditions. These dynamics are shaped by rapid digital transformation, global competition, demographic shifts, and political dynamics. Academic leaders require agility, emotional intelligence, and systemic thinking. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these pressures, exposing institutional vulnerabilities and prompting a re-evaluation of leadership practices. In Malaysia, these pressures were compounded by policy changes, disparities in technology access, and the need to reconcile national education objectives with international standards. This qualitative meta-analysis systematically reviews 25 empirical and conceptual studies (2015–2025) following PRISMA reporting guidelines. The studies, sourced from Scopus, ERIC, and Google Scholar, encompass 10 Malaysian and 15 international perspectives. Thematic synthesis identified three core themes: (1) navigating structural and policy volatility, (2) leading through uncertainty and crisis management, and (3) Managing Complexity, Stakeholder Diversity, and Framework Development. From these findings, this study introduces the VUCA-Responsive Academic Leadership Framework, outlining competencies such as digital leadership, emotional resilience, strategic foresight, and collaborative governance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Wan Hartini Wan Zainodin, Abd Rasid Abd Rahman, Hamimda Agil, Linda Abd Hamid
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