Exploring Competencies and Capabilities That High-Potential Academics Should Possess in South Africa

This study explores the competencies and capabilities that high-potential academics (HPAs) should possess to effectively handle academic responsibilities and ascend to leadership positions within higher education institutions. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilising an exploratory design owing to the lack of prior studies on this topic. The study sampled ten academic staff members from a higher education institution in South Africa and conducted face-to-face interviews to gather data. Thematic analysis was used to process the data, revealing the key talent management and leadership themes. The findings indicate that HPAs should possess various competencies, including ambition, analytical skills, adaptability, and effective communication skills. They should also demonstrate strong leadership qualities such as planning, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. This study identifies several constraints to developing HPAs, such as inadequate resources, lack of leadership capacity, and insufficient communication. The study recommends fostering a supportive environment, providing adequate funding, and recognising and rewarding high-potential academics to ensure their development and retention.