Research Snapshot: Leading across borders
Leading across borders: a scoping review of leadership experience in international academics
Publication date: 31 January 2026
Dr Singh led this systematic review with Professor Saravana Kumar, Dr Linda Ng and Dr Katrina Li. The study examined the leadership experiences of international academics in higher education, with a particular focus on barriers, opportunities, strategies and success. Although international academics are vital contributors to higher education institutions globally, they often face challenges in accessing and succeeding in leadership roles, especially women. Using best-practice scoping review methods, the team systematically searched academic databases and grey literature sources. Of 4,228 records identified, 26 studies met the eligibility criteria. Guided by Singh’s (2022) B.O.S.S. framework – Barriers, Opportunities, Strategies and Successes – the review provides a structured understanding of the leadership experiences of international academics and highlights the importance of institutional support and mentoring.
International academics face limited leadership opportunities, highlighting the need for robust institutional support, mentoring and leadership development to help them succeed and thrive
Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh
Dr Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh is a multi-award-winning Associate Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Australia. Dr Singh is uniquely positioned as an interdisciplinary researcher, specialising in employability and careers, and the internationalisation of higher education management.
Key findings of the research:
1. The review found that international academics face numerous barriers both in accessing leadership positions and in performing leadership roles effectively. Challenges included limited access to leadership pathways, cultural and organisational barriers, and a lack of targeted support.
2. A key finding was the limited evidence on opportunities, strategies and leadership successes among international academics. While barriers were widely documented, relatively few studies explored how these challenges can be overcome or highlighted examples of successful leadership journeys.
3. The findings suggest that institutional support and mentoring are critical to bridging this gap. As the international academic workforce continues to grow, universities should create clear pathways to leadership through targeted mentoring programmes, leadership training and development opportunities, inclusive policies, and recognition of diverse leadership styles. By fostering environments that support international academics in leadership roles, universities can strengthen inclusion, enhance academic excellence and better reflect the global nature of higher education.
