Institutionalization of Coaching and Mentoring Practices for Leadership Development in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

In response to escalating global competition and the need for internal reforms, Malaysian public universities are increasingly recognizing the necessity for structured leadership succession. However, a significant gap exists in the systematic implementation of these practices. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, data were collected through interviews with senior management responsible for leadership development in selected public universities. The research revealed four primary themes: the formalization of coaching and mentoring programs, alignment with institutional objectives, strategic engagement of upper management, and the integration of profiling and psychometric assessments. While the findings indicate notable progress in establishing systematic leadership pipelines, challenges related to standardization and inclusivity remain. This study enriches the existing literature on leadership development and talent management in Malaysia, providing practical insights for policy formulation and institutional practices.