The leadership of engagement between university and community: conceptualizing leadership in community engagement in higher education

Abstract

The growing research interest in community engagement in higher education calls for the investigation of the relational and cultural dynamics within the university–community relationship using various academic lenses and by exploring alternative epistemological approaches. Thus, the study conceptualizes this relationship through the lens of leadership and by using the methodology of autoethnography. Applying an iterative reflective process of sense-making composed of conversation, memoing and article-writing, the study yielded a conceptual framework composed of four thematic dimensions, namely:(1) contextual condition that is characterized by the duality of operational milieu between university and community from which (2) managerial roles were defined consisting of advocacy, strategic visioning and space-brokering, which are, in turn, sustained through (3) an attitude towards outcome and power and (4) deepened and sustained the spirituality of the leader.

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Notes on contributors

Maria Aurora Correa Bernardo

Maria Aurora Correa Bernardo is a PhD Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, Locked Bag 2002, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia. Email: [email protected]. She has published journal articles in the International Journal for Educational Development, Southeast Asian Studies Journal and Asia Pacific Social Science Review, as well as chapter contributions in the areas of university community engagement, international education, student development, research management and higher education in an armed conflict situation.

Jude Butcher

Professor Jude Butcher, cfc, AM, is the director for the Australian Catholic University’s Institute for Advancing Community Engagement, Locked Bag 2002, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia. Email: [email protected]. He was appointed in 2010 as a Member (AM) in the Order of Australia for service to teacher education particularly in the Catholic sector, and to the community through contributions to social justice. He has published extensively in the field of community engagement, capacity building, professional development, religious literacy, social justice and human rights.

Peter Howard

Associate Professor Peter Howard, National Leader, Beyond Disadvantage/National Leader, Clemente Australia, Institute for Advancing Community Engagement, Australian Catholic University, Locked Bag 2002, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia. Email: [email protected]. He works at the Australian Catholic University in the Institute for Advancing Community Engagement. He has presented at numerous Australian and international conferences, as well published chapters and journal articles in the field of Aboriginal education, mathematics education and community engagement.