Exploring the role of digital technologies in facilitating shared-decision-making processes in higher education: A Case study of the Digital Learning for Development (DL4D) initiative in South Africa

Abstract

Digital technologies are transforming the landscape of higher education governance globally, leading to enhanced institutional collaborations, increased openness, and improved efficiency. Despite extensive research on digital transformation in higher education, a gap remains in research examining how emerging digital tools facilitate shared decision-making (SDM) processes in South African higher education institutions, particularly through initiatives such as the Digital Learning for Development (DL4D) initiative. Therefore, this research aimed to close this gap in the literature by exploring the role those digital technologies play in facilitating shared decision-making processes in higher education, using DL4D as a case study. This research employed a qualitative research approach, relying on scholarly publications, documents, records, and related research. Systems theory provided the theoretical foundation for understanding how digital technologies function as input, processing, and output mechanisms within governance ecosystems. The results show that digital technologies, such as Learning Management Systems (LMSs), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and data analytics tools like Qlik Sense, Power BI, and Blockchain, have contributed significantly to fostering SDM processes and increasing stakeholder, student, and parental engagement in the development of curriculum and policies. However, this research also revealed that, despite the prospects of digital applications, various challenges arise, including the digital divide, cybersecurity threats, ethical concerns, and a lack of digital skills, which impede the digital transformation process. Higher education institutions can overcome these challenges by establishing policies to promote digital inclusion and integration, building the necessary digital infrastructure, and implementing robust measures to combat cybersecurity issues. Despite these challenges, emerging digital tools offer institutions various prospects for the future, including establishing cooperative governance, promoting SDM processes, and enabling inclusivity in South African universities.