Relationship Between Sustainable Leadership and Organizational Trust: Empirical Evidence from Private Higher Education Institutions in Syria

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to develop a theoretical model of sustainable leadership and organizational trust in Higher Education environment in Syria. The model assesses academic and administrative staff perception of outstanding leadership behaviors and examines its relationship with perceived organizational trust in the field of higher education institutions in Syria. A theoretical model is established, clarifying the significance of selection of sustainable leadership behaviors and members’ trust in their co-workers. Research Methodology, measurement, empirical testing and application of the theoretical model is investigated. A quantitative approach is employed to design a self-administered questionnaire survey. Back translation is administered to ensure better validity of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis is conducted to examine the validity of sustainable leadership and trust in co-workers scales. Cronbach alpha Reliability test shows strong internal consistency and significance. Higher Education industry is investigated in this research study selecting a convenience sample from Higher Education institutions. A bivariate correlation analysis is conducted to examine the association between the two variables. Results of research study indicates a positive and significant relationship between sustainable leadership and trust in coworkers. However the association is not strong. The managerial implication of the research study recommends application and adoption of sustainable leadership behaviors among functional, mid and senior levels of managers and academics in management positions in higher education institutions. The limitation of research is mainly indicated in the sample size and measurement scales of sustainable leadership and organizational trust.