Leadership Qualities of Chief International Officers in Internationalizing the Campus at Select Institutions of HIgher Education in the United States

Abstract

An examination of chief international officer (CIO) leadership at selected institutions of higher educations is presented in this study. In addition, this study identifies CIO perspectives on internationalization and factors affecting campus internationalization. Ten chief international officers from comprehensive research institutions were included in this study. Using foundational conceptual frameworks of Bass and Avolio's (2000) Full Range Leadership Model and Kouzes and Posner's (2002) Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership model, a Model of Effective Leadership Qualities of Chief International Officers was formed and used as the conceptual framework for the study. Through interviews conducted with ten chief international officers, seven dominant qualities of effective leadership are identified including the five qualities found in the framework as well as two additional qualities. These qualities are illustrated in further detail through descriptive commentary by the participants in the study. Further examination of the data identified three factors influencing campus internationalization common to all participants. The findings in this study can be used to inform future research in international education leadership and to guide leadership development practices for emerging professionals in the field. In addition, the results will help to inform campus leaders, international education professionals and international education organizations on how to better serve and support international education leaders.