Examining leadership styles in higher education management: evidence from Kazakhstan

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ABSTRACT This study examines leadership styles exhibited by university managers and heads in Kazakhstan. The peculiarity of the academic management system in the universities of Kazakhstan is determined by the traditions of management and leadership that have developed both in the culture of the people and in the educational system of the Soviet era, and new trends and values adopted from the Western academic community through internationalization and joining the Bologna process. The study’s results demonstrate that most Kazakhstani university managers (79%) self-asses their leadership style as ‘democratic’ or ‘collegial’. Interesting divergences were observed, such as men in the sample preferring a more independent leadership style compared to women. At the same time, correlation analysis shows a positive relationship between age and the leadership abilities of managers in Kazakhstani universities, as well as between leadership abilities and management styles. Such results are consistent with well-known trends in gender assessment of management styles, and demonstrated gender asymmetry in the Kazakhstani university leadership. The study’s findings can serve as a starting point for larger investigations aimed at deepening understanding of how trained leaders can positively influence the development of the academic environment, the social, educational capital of universities, and overall competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities.