The role of mindfulness in managing HRM challenges for senior higher education learning and teaching leaders

In this chapter, I focus on common challenges encountered by senior, higher education learning and teaching (L&T) leaders, within a central academic development unit (ADU). An ADU is primarily a central service area in higher education institutions, which provides varied services and functions to students and staff, associated with teaching quality, learning quality and product quality (for example, programs, courses, units design and delivery, etc.). I highlight the role, function and importance of central ADUs within higher education institutions. I discuss the types of broad and human resource management (HRM) challenges that occur in ADUs and the associated impact on service, team functionality and leader well-being. I provide an honest and raw reflection on significant health and well-being challenges that I faced as a senior L&T leader in this environment. I discuss key mindfulness strategies most useful in my personal situation and demonstrate how they can be incorporated into everyday practice of leading and managing. I highlight how mindfulness practice can be useful in maintaining a positive, optimistic perspective particularly in times of uncertainty and change

The past, present and future of organization development:taking the long view

Organization development has been, and arguably still is, the major approach to organizational change across the Western world, and increasingly globally. Despite this, there appears to be a great deal of confusion as to its origins, nature, purpose and durability. This article reviews the ‘long’ history of organization development from its origins in the work of Kurt Lewin in the late 1930s to its current state and future prospects. It chronicles and analyses the major stages, disjunctures and controversies in its history and allows these to be seen in a wider context. The article closes by arguing that, although organization development remains the dominant approach to organizational change, there are significant issues that it must address if it is to achieve the ambitious and progressive social and organizational aims of its founders