The Relationship between Leadership Style and Academic Job Satisfaction at Addis Ababa University By Yonas Eshetu
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Date
2018-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between leadership style and academic staff job satisfaction at Addis Ababa University. To this end, basic questions addressing the issues related to the type of leadership style practiced at AAU as perceived by academics staffs, implication of transformational leadership style on academic staff job satisfaction, the extent of academic staff job satisfaction in relation to transformational leadership style, the challenges faced by AAU academic leaders in implementing transformational leadership and academic staffs increase job satisfaction were analyzed. The study employed descriptive survey method. The research methods used in the study were quantitative and qualitative approaches. Target population was academic staff and academic leaders of Addis Ababa University. Data was collected using modified form of Multifactor leadership questionnaire. The questionnaire contained five parts that were measured Likert scale. The results of the study were analyzed using frequencies and percentages and correlation. The findings of the research indicated that both Transformational and Transactional leadership style were practiced simultaneously in the university. Transformational leadership was practiced at a slightly above the average level whereas transactional leadership was practiced at a slightly below the average level. On the other hand Laissez-faire leadership was practiced significantly below the average level. The findings also indicated that both transformational and transactional leadership have a positive implication on academic staff job satisfaction. In this regard there was a slightly higher level of academic job satisfaction as a result of transformational and transactional leadership practice. The results clearly show that both transformational and transactional leadership styles have a slightly positive effect on academic job satisfaction. Yet the contribution of transformational leadership higher toward academic staff job satisfaction compared to transactional leadership style. As to the challenges that hinder transformational leadership implementation inadequate material reward, failure to meet standards, and reluctance to take risks and lack of stimulating academic activity and inadequate psychological reward were ranked as the first five major challenges as perceived by than academic staffs. Academics empowerment, developing academic confidence, improving university commitment, academics autonomy, and building academics self esteem were considered as the major solutions to overcome the challenges. The study recommended that academic leaders should serve as change agents to bring change from within the university and internalize it to academic staff. The university should have financial autonomy in budget allocation and other important financial issues. In addition, academic leadersshould promote academic staff autonomy so that academic staff will be able to work freely.
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Relationship between Leadership Style and Academic Job