ScholarOne - Impact of Leadership Behavior on Organizational Change
Management in Public Universities of Ethiopia: A Study of Leadership
Influences and Change Processes
Abstract
The study aimed to examine how leadership behavior affects
organizational change management process within public universities in
Ethiopia. It utilized a mixed research approach, combining quantitative
and qualitative methods. The research design employed was descriptive
and explanatory. The sample size consisted of 581 academic staff and
academic leaders who were selected using systematic random sampling
techniques. This ensured that a representative sample was obtained from
the target population. Data collection involved the use of
questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs).
Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the
collected data. The study findings revealed that a positive and
significant relationship was found between autocratic, democratic,
laissez-faire, and transactional leadership behaviors and organizational
change management. However, there was a negative and significant
relationship between transformational leadership behavior and
organizational change management. Additionally, the study identified
significant differences in the perceptions of leadership behaviors and
organizational change management between academic staff and academic
leaders. Based on the study findings, the authors recommended that
leaders in public universities customize and apply the identified
positive leadership behaviors (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire,
and transactional) to effectively manage organizational change.