Relationship between Leadership Development and Organizational Success in Selected Universities in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Leadership development is a key ingredient to the success of every organization since leaders show the organizational direction in terms of goals setting and achievement. If organizations fail in developing their leaders then it means that there is likelihood of losing the focus leading to organizational failure. Studies have revealed that if proper leadership development is done then organizations tend to perform well in terms of production, profitability and competitiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between leadership development and organizational success in selected Universities in Meru County. The study was based on the human capital theory and adopted a descriptive research design. It targeted 58 members of staff who were drawn from the selected Universities in Meru County. The study conducted a census where all the targeted population took part in the study. The findings revealed that the organizations had practices on job training that helped employees cope with the work around them. The employees were also allowed for a study leave which helped them further their studies. The regression results found a very strong relationship between training and organizational success. In conclusion, organizations seem to be putting emphasis on training whereby there is on job training that helps enhance employee competences. To some extent the organizations are able to grant study leave to employees, which enables them further their studies. The knowledge acquired is used in the organization thus enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. The study recommended that Universalities should continually offer job training as this equips the employees with hands on skills that increase employee competency and adoptability. The Universities should also be open minded on issues of granting study leave to employees even if it means a paid study leave since the skills acquired are used for the benefit of the organization.

Keywords: Leadership development, organizational success, universities in Meru County