Autocratic Leadership Style and Organizational Commitment of Academic Staff of Uganda Christian University and Kyambogo University

Abstract

The study established the extent to which autocratic leadership style influences organizational commitment of academic staff in Kyambogo University (KYU) and Uganda Christian University (UCU). It was guided by three specific objectives that were aimed at establishing; 1) the level of autocratic leadership style, 2) the level of employee commitment of academic staff and 3) the influence of autocratic leadership style on the employee commitment in the two universities.  The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional survey design hinged on Plato’s deductive reasoning philosophy. The population involved mainly academic staff of the two universities and administrative staff. These were sampled using simple and purposive random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. The first and second objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics means and standard deviations. The study hypothesis was analysed using Pearson’s Correlation Co-efficient index and Simple Linear Regression.  Findings of the study revealed that, the level of application of autocratic leadership style was moderate and the level of employees’ commitment was high. Findings revealed that there was a positive significant relationship between autocratic leadership style on commitment of academic staff in two universities. The current study concludes that autocratic leadership styles had a positive significant influence on the commitment of academic staff in UCU and Kyambogo Universities. To enhance the commitment of employees/ academic staff in Kyambogo and Uganda Christian University Mukono, the university council in the two universities, faculty administrative boards, deans, departmental heads should do emphasize more use of autocratic leadership style. This can be done through establishing a mechanism that ensures constant academic staff supervision, remind of duties and work, offer deadlines, warnings and routine approaches to non-compliance

Keywords: Leadership Styles, Autocratic, Commitment

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-18-02

Publication date:June 30^th 2023