Academic Administrator Leadership Styles and the Impact on Faculty Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This article examines the impact of three leadership styles as a predictor of job satisfaction in a state university system. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to identify the leadership style of an administrator as perceived by faculty members. Spector’s Job Satisfaction Survey was used to assess a faculty member’s level of job satisfaction. The population consisted of 567 full-time faculty members, and 104 participants completed the survey. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that (a) faculty members who identified transformational leadership as dominant had increased job satisfaction, (b) faculty members who identified transactional leadership as dominant had increased job satisfaction, and (c) faculty members who identified passive/avoidant leadership as dominant had decreased job satisfaction. Demographics did not appear to predict satisfaction. Using this model, academic leaders can take further action by refining their leadership styles on the basis of their faculty members’ indicated preferences. The study results may contribute to social change at the departmental level by making academic administrators aware of effective leadership models that promote higher job satisfaction among faculty in universities.