Exploring the State of Leadership Effectiveness of Tertiary Institutions in Ghana: A Study of Two Tertiary Institutions in Kumasi

Abstract

The study investigated the leadership effectiveness of leaders of tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study sought to examine the leadership styles adopted, the leadership energy and effectiveness of the leaders of two tertiary institutions. The research was undertaken at two institutions; one Polytechnic and one University. The population of the study was the lecturers and the heads of departments of the two institutions. The leadership matrix and leadership effectiveness index questionnaires were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The preferred and practiced styles were compared and contrasted to determine whether or not they were used to achieve goals and objectives of the lecturers and the organizations. Cottrell’s leadership energy formula E=MC² was used to determine the energy level of the two institutions. The data collected reflected that the leaders of both institutions have adopted team leadership style where they are concerned about the organizational goals and also concerned about the wellbeing of the lecturers. The conclusion drawn was that there is effective leadership with high energy that motivates lecturers in our tertiary institutions. The study ended by making recommendations that encourage high concern for production, the lecturers and the institutions resulting in sustainable ways of achieving the goals and objectives of the institutions and the lecturers. The recommendations contribute towards the academic and professional development of the lecturers and their institutions.

Keywords: leadership; leadership effectiveness; leadership energy; tertiary institutions; and leadership styles.