Core competencies and qualifications of health sciences school managers: a multi-method qualitative study

The selection and appointment of qualified managers in health sciences schools are critically important due to their substantial impact on the performance of faculties and medical universities. Accordingly, the selection process should be based on criteria that effectively assess candidates' competencies and experiences in alignment with the principles of meritocracy and academic excellence. Unlike previous studies that have mainly focused on general academic leadership traits, this study introduces a comprehensive, merit-based competency framework specifically tailored to health sciences school management. This study aims to identify and define the essential competencies and qualifications required for managers of health sciences schools, including educational department heads and school deans, with an emphasis on a merit-based approach.

This study employed a multi-method qualitative design, incorporating a scoping review, document analysis, semi-structured interviews, expert panel discussions, and the Delphi technique. The scoping review was conducted to identify key competencies and indicators relevant to the selection and appointment of medical school managers. We conducted a document analysis to examine national and governmental reports related to the Iranian medical universities. Also, we used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to explore stakeholders' perspectives on existing processes, selection criteria, and influencing factors. A manager selection framework was developed based on the findings. The Delphi technique was subsequently employed to validate and finalize the proposed process for appointing Educational Department Heads (EDHs) and Health Sciences School Deans (HSSDs).

We identified a total of 18 criteria for the selection of EDHs and HSSDs which were categorized into five main domains of personal and character competencies, organizational and environmental knowledge, professionalism, educational background and expertise, and organizational role and engagement. In addition, the final checklist for selecting HSDs contains 16 specific criteria. This study also proposed a structured, seven-step process for the selection of EDHs.

The findings of this study contribute to a paradigm shift in the traditional approach to appointing managers in health sciences schools. Our results indicated that EDHs and HSSDs should have expertise as well as a balanced combination of managerial competencies, human resource development capabilities, knowledge of organizational behavior, change management skills, and performance support strategies, which can significantly enhance their effectiveness and success in their leadership roles.