Transformational leadership and employee empowerment in Ugandan private universities. A case study of Kampala University

Abstract

The study was carried out to establish the relationship between transformational leadership and employee empowerment in Ugandan private universities, using Kampala University as the case study. The specific objectives included determining the relationship between the dimensions of transformational leadership (idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration) and employee empowerment. The researcher used the correlational research design to establish the relationship between transformational leadership and employee empowerment. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to get a sample from the population of employees at Kampala University. Questionnaires and document reviews were used as the data collection instruments. Bivariate analysis (correlation) and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results and findings showed a significant positive linear relationship between idealized influence and employee empowerment. They also indicated that inspirational motivation had a significant positive relationship with employee empowerment. Results also portrayed a significant weak positive relationship between intellectual stimulation and employee empowerment. Furthermore, individualized consideration an insignificant weak positive relationship with employee empowerment at Kampala University. The researcher concluded that idealized influence contributed to the empowerment of workers as it was positively connected to self-confidence, pragmatism and nurturance. The researcher also concluded that inspirational motivation resulted in intrinsic motivation which in turn led to psychological empowerment. It was also concluded that intellectual stimulation involving creativity should be encouraged among staff. The study also concluded that employees must be given personal attention to foster empowerment. The researcher recommended that leaders at Kampala University should enhance idealized influence as they act as role models for their subordinates. It was also recommended that leaders and managers should aim to inspire subordinates. Furthermore, the researcher recommended that intellectual stimulation should be enhanced at Kampala University by empowering subordinates to think, thereby, encouraging creativity and innovation. Lastly, researcher- recommended that leaders should cultivate more individualized consideration and the human resource office should be more sensitive to employees' personal challenges.