Supportive Leadership Style and Staff Motivation in Private Universities in Uganda: Case of Kampala International University

Abstract

This study examined the effect of supportive leadership style on staff motivation in private universities in Uganda taking a case of Kampala International University. The study was guided by two specific objectives: (i) to examine the effect of supportive leadership style on energy to work among staff in Kampala International University, and (ii) to examine the effect of supportive leadership style on sustenance of behavior among staff in Kampala International University. The study hypothesized that (i) “supportive leadership style has no significant effect on energy to work among staff in private universities in Uganda” and (ii) “supportive leadership style has no significant effect on sustenance of behavior among staff in private universities in Uganda”. The study adopted a descriptive correlational design to collect data from a sample of 111 respondents with the aid of self –administered questionnaire. Research findings on objective one revealed that managers of Kampala International University offer support to staff by being friendly and approachable.  However, they don’t show concern to employee general welfare, and do not equitably treat them so as to create a conducive work environment for all. Objective two findings revealed that employees report to work on a daily basis as a result of support received and that there’s cooperation with co-workers. However, it was discovered that supervisors don’t help staff overcome challenging assignments. The study concludes that supportive leadership style has a positive and significant effect on staff motivation in private universities in Uganda calling the need for supervisors to support employee needs and aspirations. The study recommends that management of private universities in Uganda should treat employees with fairness and equity so as to create a conducive work environment, and reconsider strategies of task accomplishment especially helping their employees overcome challenging assignments.