Clothing selection and appearance of pro-vice chancellors: A case of University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Beyond food and shelter, clothing is also recognized as one of the basic human needs and provides a medium for interpersonal communication in human in a non-verbal form. The manner in which individuals dress in society, especially those who occupy leadership positions, ultimately conveys salient information about them. Clothing selection practices apply to leaders of all categories, of which Pro-Vice Chancellors of universities are not exceptions. Using a qualitative approach to research and relying on semi-structured interviews to collect data from three participants, the study examined the clothing selection practices of Pro-Vice Chancellors at the University of Cape Coast, a state-owned institution in Ghana, from 2012 to 2021. The study's findings revealed that clothing selection practices among Pro-Vice Chancellors of the University of Cape Coast do not exist in a vacuum, but depend on a number of judgements carved by participants. Ultimately, the study contributes to scholarship on clothing selection practices among individuals in positions of authority.

Keywords

• Appearance
• Clothing selection
• Dress
• Ghana
• Visual culture