This study used the naturalistic inquiry method to explore the perceptions of
22 selected administrators from Chinese Ministry of Education Directed universities
regarding what kind of institutional challenges their institutions confront
and how their institutions function in the present, how their own roles
have been affected by the changing situations they face in their own contexts,
and consequently, what are the competencies that universities leaders
will need in their universities in the near future. Special emphases are placed
on the differences that exist in the challenges facing Chinese MOE directed
universities located in differently geographical, cultural and economical contexts,
and the differences among the perceptions of current university leaders,
aspiring leaders, and retired university leaders regarding institutional
challenges and leadership competencies. This study yields information that
may be useful for the researchers and higher education administrators inside
and outside China if they want to understand the current Chinese higher education
situation. At least, they can gain some information from these MOE-directed
university administrators' perceptions and experiences. They also can
understand the Chinese higher education system through the historical, political,
economical, cultural and demographical reviews of the study.