The Leadership Challenges in Gambella Regional State: The Divorce between Knowing, Being and Doing

Abstract

The problem addressed in this study is the divorce between knowing, being, and doing and explains why it is the major leadership challenge in Gambella Regional State. Knowing, being, and doing are the most important competences at contemporary and in the future a leader needs to have to solve new and poorly structured society problems in a complex environment. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected using questionnaire and interview. The study was conducted in Gambella Regional sectors and Gambella City Administration sectors. The respondents were from public, civil servants and political appointees. The political appointees’ respondents were selected purposively; other respondents were taken using random sampling. Findings revealed there is divorce between knowing, being and doing in government leadership. Under knowing leadership competence interpersonal skills, conceptual skills, technical skills, and tactical skills were assessed and above 60% of respondents replied the leadership in Gambella region does not possess these qualities. Under being leadership competence self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness and relationship-management were evaluated and over 60% of respondents rejected that the leadership in Gambella region has those skills. Under doing leadership competence influence, accomplishment of missions, improving organization, solving problems, overcoming obstacles, strengthen the team, achieving objectives, and seeking learning opportunities were assessed as well and more than 60% of respondents rejected that the leadership in Gambella region has these skills. To handle the challenges, the government in Gambella region needs to give on job training basing on those skills to leaders and civil servants.

Keywords: knowing, being, doing, leadership, competence

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/14-1-05

Publication date: January 31^st 2024