MIDDLE-LEVEL INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE AND APPLICATIONS FOR VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF AUTONOMY REFORM

The quality of higher education depends significantly on middle-level leaders who serve dual roles as personnel managers of departments and faculties, program administrators, academic directors, and guardians of organizational integrity. Although extensive research exists on senior leadership in K-12 education, studies on middle level and instructional leadership in higher education remain limited. This study uses a systematic review of 20 international research publications on middle-level and instructional leadership to clarify the roles, importance, and challenges faced by this leadership in tertiary organizations. Findings show that middle-level leaders occupy a “sandwiched position” between senior management and faculty, lack formal management training, and must balance administrative burdens with instructional leadership responsibilities. The study offers recommendations for three stakeholder groups: (1) policymakers should develop national competency frameworks and reform appointment and evaluation mechanisms; (2) universities should establish structured training programs that combine management theory with practical methods and create supportive environments; (3) future research should be conducted in empirical studies on the relationship between leadership styles and learning outcomes, particularly within the context of Vietnamese higher education.