Arab Educational Information Network

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of universities in Saudi Arabia in developing leaders in the three public sectors, through establishing a leadership center to promote and develop leadership in alignment of Saudi vision 2030. The study carried out at first a status qua analysis and needs assessment of leadership in the eastern province, then a benchmark study on several national and international and reputable institutes which led to a proposal of establishing a leadership center at Imam Abdurrahman Bin Faisal University. The method used was survey and descriptive analyses. A pilot study was performed to survey the stakeholders the ambitions, visions, goals, and initiatives and services for such centers, then a proposal was developed to create a leadership center based on the needs assessment and the benchmarks. Then the proposal was reviewed by 50 experts in the field of leadership resulted in 97.9 % consensus about the vision, goals, initiatives and services related to the center including: fundamental leadership program, self-development program in leadership, talent development program, advanced development program for middle and advanced leadership, and an organizational leadership program. In addition, experts suggested a leadership youth club at the university to promote the leadership aspiration, talent development, and promote leadership skills. Experts emphasized the importance of such center and second its establishments. A set of recommendations for the operational plan was discussed. (Published abstract)