The Influence of Leadership Skills and Decision-Making Styles on the Organizational Effectiveness of Academic Administrators in Selected Private Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

This study examined the influence of leadership skills and decision-making styles on the organizational effectiveness of academic administrators in selected private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Grounded in Structural-Functionalism and the Power and Influence framework, the research utilized a descriptive-correlational design involving 148 faculty members as respondents. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson r, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis.

Findings revealed that academic administrators demonstrated high levels of conceptual, human, and technical leadership skills, as well as a preference for analytical decision-making styles. Among the leadership skills, conceptual and technical skills significantly predicted organizational effectiveness, particularly in areas such as general administration, human resource development, and academic program management. Analytical decision-making emerged as the only style with a significant positive impact on performance outcomes. Human leadership skills and behavioral, conceptual, and directive decision-making styles were not significant predictors.

The results underscore the importance of strategic thinking, innovation, technical adaptability, and data-driven decision-making in enhancing institutional effectiveness. A Structural-Functional Leadership Model was developed and validated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), indicating a strong model fit. These findings provide empirical grounding for leadership development programs, institutional policy, and capacity-building initiatives in the higher education sector.