Analysis of Leadership Styles and Decision-Making Effectiveness in Public Sector Universities in Pakistan: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The leadership styles play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness in decision making and performance in institutions of higher learning (HEIs). Nevertheless, literature on leadership in Pakistani higher education institutions is still divided, and it is necessary to synthesize it systematically. This is a systematic review that will integrate empirical literature on leadership styles and decision-making performance within the public sector universities in Pakistan to identify the mechanism of influence and situational influences. In line with PRISMA, a total of five databases were searched and 97 records were discovered. After a rigorous screening, 2016-2022 studies (n= 28) were included in the study. They were collected with standardized forms, and the quality of the studies was evaluated with the help of Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Synthesis of findings was done in narrative form. Transformational leadership had the most positive correlations with organizational performance, faculty satisfaction, and innovation (28 studies). The positive influence of the leadership styles of servants, empowering, and knowledge-oriented leadership styles were also positively affected through the mediation of emotional intelligence, psychological empowerment, and organizational trust factors. Effectiveness was moderated by leader gender, hierarchical level, organizational culture and crisis context. Pakistani HEIs need multi-style competence, situational application, and emotional intelligence to be competent leaders. Policy reform and evidence-based leadership development can improve institutional effectiveness. One area of future research is that based on longitudinal designs, studies of the decision-making process directly, and the context of institutional governance.

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