Title:
PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE AND STAFF MOTIVATION IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA: A CASE OF KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Authors:
Chrisostom Oketch and Rosette Ainembabazi , Uganda

Abstract:
The study examined the effect of participative leadership style on staff motivation in private universities in Uganda, Kampala International University as a case study. Two specific objectives guided the study:(i) to examine the effect of participative leadership style on direction of effort among staff in Kampala International University, and (ii) to establish the effect of participative leadership style on persistence of behavior among staff in Kampala International University. The study hypothesized that (i) “participative leadership style has a significant effect on direction of effort among staff in private universities in Uganda” and (ii) “participative leadership style has a significant effect on persistence of behavior among staff in private universities in Uganda”. The study adopted a descriptive correlational design to collect data from a sample of 111 respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Research findings indicated that staff are not consulted in decision-making, their views are not taken into account and as such staff cannot take responsibility for decision outcomes. It was also established that whereas staff persistently exhibit appropriate behavior by working even under hardships, they are not happy with policies in place. The study concluded that participative leadership style is key to directing staff efforts let alone helping them persist in performing behavior necessary for task accomplishment. The study recommends that management of private universities in Uganda should engage staff in the process of decision making through consultations, respect for their views and opinions and above all involvement in formulation of policies that define their day to day work so as to remain motivated