Influence of Empowerment of Team Leadership on Team Effectiveness of Collaborative Partnerships in International Research Organizations in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5208Abstract
The study examined the impact of empowering team leadership on the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya. The research was guided by the following question: How does empowering team leadership influence the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya? The study utilized Hill's (2001) theory of team leadership as a theoretical framework and employed a positivist research philosophy. A correlational research design was employed, and a census of 164 program leaders, project managers, and heads of departments from 12 international research organizations was conducted. Structured questionnaires were employed as the data collection method, and the collected data was subsequently organized, coded, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for analysis. The correlation results indicated a positive and significant association between empowering team leadership and team effectiveness. The regression analysis (R2) demonstrated that 33.2% of the variation in team effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya could be explained by empowering team leadership. Furthermore, the regression results revealed a significant positive relationship between empowering team leadership and team effectiveness (β = .597, t (151) = 8.72, p<.05). The null hypothesis was rejected. Hence, empowerment of team leadership significantly influences the team effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya. The study concludes that strategies for empowering team leadership may involve skill development, promoting awareness and fostering inclusivity in decision-making processes. Empowerment can enhance motivation and engagement among team members, thereby facilitating better communication and collaboration within the team. It is recommended that international research organizations operating in Kenya prioritize the empowerment of team leadership. Empowering team leadership is crucial for any organization as it cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, leading to heightened motivation, productivity, and overall team effectiveness. The international research organizations in Kenya should provide training and development opportunities, establish clear goals and expectations, and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. Additionally, international research organizations operating in Kenya should promote open communication, encourage collaboration and teamwork and establish mechanisms to recognize and reward exceptional performance.
Keywords: Empowerment, team leadership, team effectiveness, international research organizations, Kenya
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