Examining the Linkage between Transformational Leadership Styles and Succession Planning Programs in Malaysian Public Universities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined transformational leadership and succession planning in Malaysian higher education. The study investigated how transformational leadership influences university staff career development and leadership preparation. Data were obtained from 300 university administrators and academics. The analysis was done using Smart PLS. The data revealed that idealised influence and inspirational motivation were positively and significantly associated to career development, whereas intellectual stimulation and individual influence had an insignificant negative relationship. Furthermore, when examined with leadership preparation, idealised influence and intellectual stimulation were shown to be inconsequential, whereas individual influence and inspiring motivation revealed an insignificant negative relationship. In conclusion, the study improves the existing framework in regard to understanding how transformational leaders can facilitate career development and leadership preparation of university employees in Malaysia. It is hopeful that the findings can help university policy makers to strategically formulate human resource development policies to improve succession planning programs.