PERCEIVED IMPACT OF CHANGE AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE FOR CHANGE READINESS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL GOVERNANCE

Purpose – Adapting to technological advancements and fostering competitiveness poses compelling challenges for universities worldwide, including Indonesia. This prompts the implementation of varied policies, reshaping financial and managerial aspects across academic and non-academic spheres. In this transformative process, cultivating readiness for change across all organizational levels, including among non-academic staff, is crucial. This study aims to identify factors predicting readiness for change within non-academic staff, with perceived impact of change acting as a mediating factor. Methodology – This quantitative study collected the data through surveys conducted among non-academic staff from Indonesian universities under general state financial management (n = 290). The examination focused on predictors encompassing openness to change, organizational trust, and communication climate. Path analysis was employed to examine the role of perceived impact of change among exogenous and endogenous variables. Findings – The findings revealed a compelling correlation: nonacademic staff who exhibit higher levels of openness to change, harbor trust in their organization, and perceive a positive communication climate are predisposed to being more prepared for change. Moreover, the study underscored the significance of a mediating variable in influencing readiness for change, offering an imperative avenue for further exploration. Significance – Practically speaking, for universities operating under general state financial management and preparing to embark on governance changes, this research would help non-academic staff understand the change process and its effects on them.