THE EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: THE CASE OF ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The study deals on the effects of leadership style on organizational culture at St. Mary’s University. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of leadership style on organizational culture. The study used descriptive and explanatory research design. The approach that was applied was mixed approach. The sampling method was stratified and simple random sampling technique. A sample of 214 was selected from the total population of the head office of the university. The primary data was collected through survey questionnaire from employees. The primary data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. The descriptive statistics result indicated that the dominant leadership style at St. Mary’s University was Transformational leadership. The study pointed out that mission organizational culture trait was prevailing in the organization. The result of the regression analysis indicated that leadership style had a medium effect on organizational culture. Among the three leadership styles transformational leadership style had moderate effect than transactional and laissez-faire styles. The study had shown the challenges of leadership and organizational culture. Accordingly, lack of transparency, inadequate skill of communication, lack of flexibility on decision making and shortage of budget were the main in practicing leadership styles. Challenges such as lack of cooperation, lack of self-motivation, lack of satisfaction, lack of recognition and appreciation for committed employees affect organizational culture in this study. The study suggested that the top management of the University should prosper transformational leadership style and enhance the actual level. And implement a monitoring and evaluation schemes to be insured whether the transformational leadership style is properly implemented or not.