World Applied Sciences Journal 32 (9): 1852-1857, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.32.09.124 Corresponding Author: Syed Kaleem Ullah Shah Bukhari, Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia. Tel: +060129958271. 1852 Role of Academic Administrators in Decision Making Processes for Sustainability Syed Kaleem Ullah Shah Bukhari, Hamdan Said, Iqbal Ahmed, M. Al-Muz-Zammil Yasin, Roslee Ahmad and Faizah Abd Ghani Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Abstract: This paper explores the role of academic administrators of higher education institutions in decision making processes regarding sustainability. The role of academic administrator is in line with the aspirations of the institutions which are decided by academic administrators’ communication, participation and involvement. Four Pakistan public universities academic administrators were selected based on purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered by employing open-ended interview. Thematic data analysis technique produced three themes: autonomous role of academic administrators, top executives priority to make the campus sustainable and lack of support from top executive management. These themes have shown that academic administrators are facing barriers such as lack of autonomy, lack in observing the defined autonomy, bureaucratic organizational structure, lack of priority from top executive management, lack of support and top executive management resistance to change. These barriers can be removed by taking three initiatives: frequent informal meetings between university management and academic administrators, initiation of change by the top executive management and policy revision for stakeholder engagement, especially, academic administrators. Resultantly, academic administrators can realize the sense of ownership and take interest to work effectively for the efficiency of the organization. Key words: Autonomy Change Academic Administrators Sustainability INTRODUCTION The role of higher education institutions in leading This paper aims to explore the role of academic challenged more than ever before [1-3]. It is also argued administrators of higher education institutions in that sustainable development being a paradigm shift decision making processes regarding sustainability. can be embedded in decision making processes of Decision making in Pakistan Public universities is done the organizations to make these sustainable and by established bodies. Academic administrators are consequently enable them to promote sustainability [4]. considered backbone of decision making processes Researchers have also found sustainable development with respect to their relationship to these bodies whereby vital for higher education institutions’ survival [5-7]. they have to play many roles to carry out and contribute It shows the common consensus that directly or to the academic processes. This means that the role indirectly, partially or fully, willingly or unwillingly, played by academic administrators in decision making sustainability in contemporary world has achieved the can ensure smooth flow of teaching, learning, research central place in the prime responsibilities of higher and operations of universities that automatically education institutions. The emphasis on higher education promote sustainability in the context of Pakistan public institutions to integrate sustainability in their central universities’ decision making processes. Nevertheless, thrust is by virtue of their leading role. These institutions the literature has poorly documented about the role of are thus required to solve the emerging issues faced academic administrators in decision making and more by nations. Hence, these institutions are responsible specifically not clear in terms of academic administrators’ to bring progress, prosperity and continuity for role in decision making for sustainable development in sustainable development under the banner of Pakistan. sustainability [8]. the nation and contributing towards sustainability is