A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON LEADERSHIP STYLES USED BY DEPARTMENT HEADS IN UNIVERSITIES

This article presents a study conducted to investigate the effect of demographic variables on leadership styles of Department heads from HEC recognized Public and Private Universities at Lahore. In any organization, Leadership is an essential component for their success or failure. Leadership position which interacts with faculty, students and employees within any university or college is referred as department head or chair. In today’s competitive environment educational leaders are facing challenges. This study was designed to explore the effect of demographic variables on leadership styles of departmental heads (Deans, Principals, Directors, and Chairpersons). For this purpose, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was administered to a sample of 650 participants (490 male and 160 female) of ages between 31-70 years. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences regarding gender and age in using transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership style by university heads. Results revealed significant differences with regard to university type and designation in using Transactional leadership style.