A Comparative study on the Quality of Leadership Practice in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutes and Its Implication in Other Public Sectors: The Case of Private and Public Universities

Abstract

This research is mainly stressed on a comparative study on quality of leadership practice in Ethiopian Higher education institutes (HEIs) specifically on leadership practice in private and public Universities within five selected HEIs. Its implication in other public sectors was also examined based on the findings within the higher education. Basically the research looked into the styles, behaviors and practice of leadership within the private and public HEIs. In the research different leadership theoretical were examined and used in studying the practice. In Ethiopia, there are forty four public and four private universities. Out of these figures by the use of stratified sampling techniques three universities from public and two from private were selected from faculties of business & economics and informatics. Data analysis was made by using both chi-square and t-test for quantitative data and use of interpretational and reflective analysis for qualitative data. The findings showed that most of the leadership behavior manifested in private HEIs is more of task-oriented which primarily concerned with improving efficiency and process reliability. However, the leadership behavior in public HEIs is mostly related with relations-oriented which primarily concerned with strong commitment to the unit and its mission with improving human relations. Moreover, behaviors that are linked with change oriented like monitoring the external environment to identify threats and opportunities, initiating and leading change, encouraging innovative thinking, and facilitating collective learning were not given more attention in both institutions. Generally, the practices of transformational leadership in both HEIs were found weak which resulted in an adverse effect in other public sectors that requires consideration both from the government and HEIs. Hence there should be a balance insight on all change, relation and task-oriented practice in both institutions. Moreover, both public and private institutions leaders should be clearer on leadership theories, styles, behaviors and models so as to improve their practice within their circumstance.