Gendered Dimensions of Academic Leadership: Evidence from State Universities and Colleges

LEO ROSWALD M. TUGONON; JESSYL P. ADLAWAN

doi:10.5281/zenodo.16680478

LEO ROSWALD M. TUGONON D.M. PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department Department Chair, COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES, Faculty -Master of Management and Doctor of Management Programs
JESSYL P. ADLAWAN M.M. PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department, Faculty

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16680478

Keywords: Gender equity, Academic leadership, State universities, Higher education governance, Philippines, Educational administration

Abstract

This study examines gender representation and leadership role distribution among academic leaders in selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region VIII, Philippines. Grounded in Social Role Theory and Gendered Organizational Theory, it employs a descriptive quantitative research design to examine proportional representation and functional role assignments based on gender. The study purposively sampled 48 academic administrators comprising vice presidents, deans, and directors from SUCs located in Leyte and Biliran provinces. Data was gathered through a structured survey instrument, validated by field experts, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically frequency and percentage distributions. Findings indicate a near-equal gender representation (52.08% male, 47.92% female), but with evident disparities in leadership functions. Males predominantly occupy administrative and research-extension-production (REP) domains, whereas females are more represented in academic functions. These patterns suggest the persistence of structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s access to strategic leadership positions. The study underscores the importance of institutionalizing gender-responsive leadership development initiatives, operationalizing equal opportunity frameworks, and creating mentorship pathways to support the advancement of women in academic leadership. By contextualizing gender dynamics within the regional higher education governance structure, the study contributes to the discourse on inclusive leadership and offers evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice reform. Implications are directed toward institutional stakeholders seeking to enhance gender equity and governance capacity within Philippine higher education institutions.

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Author Biographies

LEO ROSWALD M. TUGONON, D.M. PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department Department Chair, COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES, Faculty -Master of Management and Doctor of Management Programs

D.M.

PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department

Department Chair, COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES, Faculty -Master of Management and Doctor of Management Programs

JESSYL P. ADLAWAN, M.M. PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department, Faculty

M.M.

PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, College of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration Department, Faculty

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