The role of leadership in improving organizational performance and service quality in higher education institutions

Résumé

Abstract

Leadership plays an essential role in the success of institutional projects, particularly in the context of higher education. Effective leadership fosters collaboration and innovation, creating an environment conducive to student learning, personal development and the academic mission of institutions. This research focuses on the critical role of leadership in improving management practices within higher education institutions. It aims to explore different models of leadership and their impact on organizational performance and the continuous improvement of service quality.

Methodologically, this research is predicated upon a systematic literature review methodology utilizing the five-step framework established by Denyer and Tranfield (2009). The data is sourced from a range of prominent scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, in addition to conference proceedings and scientific reports. An initial dataset comprising 100 scientific publications released between the years 2000 and 2024 has been identified. Subsequent to the application of the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 pertinent studies were earmarked for further examination.

Based on a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on leadership in higher education, focusing on theoretical frameworks and best practices in the field. This analysis serves as the basis for the research, providing an overview of the different leadership models that impact organizational performance and service quality.

The findings suggest that leadership styles characterized by transformation, participation, vision, and distribution exert a beneficial influence on organizational performance, institutional efficacy, academic quality, employee motivation, innovation, and stakeholder contentment. The studies examined further demonstrate that leadership serves as a strategic catalyst for the implementation of quality management systems and the facilitation of continuous enhancement within higher education institutions. In contrast, authoritarian and centralized leadership approaches have been recognized as possessing the capacity to adversely affect organizational climate, collaboration, and institutional performance.

The research indicates that leadership constitutes a critical determinant of success in the realms of sustainable development and governance within higher education institutions. Enhancing leadership capabilities and fostering participatory and transformational governance frameworks can significantly contribute to the advancement of institutional quality, organizational efficacy, and educational outcomes.

Keywords

Leadership, higher education institutions, Teaching quality, organizational performance.