Adaptive Leadership and Decision-Making Styles of Department Heads: A Predictive Study from the Perspective of Faculty Members at the Islamic University of Madinah

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the level of practice of department heads at the Islamic University of Madinah, dimensions of adaptive leadership, and decision-making styles from the viewpoint of faculty members. It also sought to identify the nature of the relationship between the dimensions of adaptive leadership and decision-making styles, and to reveal the predictive ability of the dimensions of adaptive leadership with decision-making styles. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive (survey, prediction) approach through the administration of a questionnaire, which was answered by 266 members. Results: The results showed that department heads practiced adaptive leadership to a high degree (M = 3.98). The rational style was the most commonly used, followed by the dependent, intuitive, avoidant, and spontaneous styles. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between the six dimensions of adaptive leadership and the rational style. The independent variables of the six dimensions of adaptive leadership also contributed to the prediction of the rational style. Conclusions: The study recommended that there is a need to empower university leaders by granting them more authority and by improving their leadership skills.