Impact of Academic Leadership on Faculty's Motivation, and Organizational Effectiveness in Higher Education System

Purpose- The terms “Leadership”, “Motivation” and “Organizational Effectiveness”, has been widely explored individually, but a conceptual framework linking these three concepts has not been formed up till now. Author has tried to develop a conceptual framework linking these three variables especially in higher education context. As the implication of these three variables are much different in service organization from that of manufacturing organization. The conceptual framework developed in this paper has explored the link among Academic Leadership, Motivation of Faculty Members, and Organizational Effectiveness in higher education context. This model can be useful for the policy makers and management of higher education, so that they can manage their staff in better way and to motivate them by using various motivators. Thus management and faculty members can jointly contribute to increase university’s effectiveness. This model can be fruitful for management, staff, students, and for the society as a whole. Design / Methodology- The conceptual framework has been developed in this paper. First the terms as; Academic Leadership, Motivation of Faculty Members and Organizational Effectiveness, have been explored individually by exploring the work of previous researchers, and then the model has been developed instigating linkage among these variables. The model describes that proper academic leadership is essential to lead the academic organization in effective manner and if leaders and managers are using appropriate techniques to motivate faculty members then they can augment to effectiveness of the organization. The model also explore that administrative, educational or research oriented academic leadership can directly or indirectly stimulate the faculty members, by using various extrinsic or intrinsic rewards, to work by putting extra efforts, and in this way organization will become more effective, mainly in terms of students and faculty satisfaction. Findings- The conceptual framework is useful for the management and leaders of higher education to make the institute more effective and shows that how an effective institute can better serve their students, who are primary customers to them, and it further explore that how an effective leadership strategies can keep the highly qualified faculty intact. The model also describes that if proper academic leadership will not be in place and leaders are not providing monetary and non monetary benefits to motivate their faculty members, then they may physically or psychologically leave their organization which will produce adverse affects on institution. Students’ academic, personal, and professional development depends on faculty’s sincere effort, that’s why faculty motivation is lying in the center of this model. Contribution- The conceptual framework explains various leadership functions that can lead to an effective and successful academic organization. Many universities are facing hindrances in way of success and prosperity because their most valuable faculty members are leaving the organization due to lack of financial or non financial rewards, therefore this model can be helpful to make the faculty members well satisfied and well engaged with their job and well committed to their organization as well. Also the students’ personal, professional and academic development is coupled with well motivated and satisfied staff. Moreover, its practical implication can also play a critical role enhancing better image and strong culture of the academic organization.