Why are you interested in a position with the Higher Colleges of Technology?

Answer 1

Well, the HCT used to be a very pleasant place to work. However, it has long lost its way; it is supposed to be a technical institute, but is now run by managers from university backgrounds who don't seem to understand the function of a technical institute. Instead of being practitioners, the staff are now expected to be academics with qualifications more akin to those teaching in universities. The Arab mind equates 'excellence' in teaching with qualifications, which is a big mistake. It is simply not necessary to hold a master's degree to teach at the level required at HCT.

In addition, the leadership and management positions at the HCT are made up by highly-qualified (PhD-level) academics who have written extensively about leadership and management, seemingly without possessing those skills themselves. Many of these 'managers' have little or no interpersonal skills and seem unable to communicate effectively with their staff.

Without a union to represent staff members, many managers don't even pretend to apply any management skills, but rule instead by threats and bullying.

Before applying for a position at HCT, it would be advisable to visit the website, 'HCTSucks', for an insight into what the staff has to put up with from their managers.