The Moderating Effects of Institutional Framing on Authentic Leadership-Physical Asset Management Practices Relationships in Local Governments in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Resource scarcity forces governments to face institutional problems amidst a toxic leadership environment, making the management of physical assets progressively more challenging. This study examines the moderating effect of institutional framing on the relationship between authentic leadership and physical asset management (PAM) practices in Local Governments in Uganda. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study that uses a questionnaire to collect data from 261 employees of four selected LGs in Acoliland in mid-north Uganda. With the help of the statistic program for social scientists (SPSS) and Hayes’ (2018) analysis, the research established the moderating effect of institutional framing on the authentic leadership-PAM practices relationship. Main Findings: Results indicate a positive and significant result between authentic leadership and institutional framing, as well as between institutional framing and PAM practices. It also shows that institutional framing fully mediates the relationship between authentic leadership and PAM practices. Research limitations/implications: Given the current study is quantitative in nature, it stifles causal inferences from being drawn with regard to the results which are revealed in connection to the relationship between the studied variables. Also, the authenticity of the leaders to promote positive institutional framing may be considered as a guide in solving PAM practices problem issues. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study is the first of its kind to examine the moderating role of institutional framing on the relationship between authentic leadership and PAM in a local government setting in a developing country.