The role of authentic leadership in strategic success: A survey study of a sample of administrative leaders in a sample of private schools in the Kurdistan Region/Iraq

Abstract

The aim of this research is to highlight the role of authentic leadership, represented by its dimensions (self-awareness, transparent relationships, balanced processing, ethical perspective), in achieving strategic success, expressed through its dimensions (survival, adaptation, growth).

The research methodology adopted a descriptive (qualitative) approach in data collection and analysis, leading to the results. The researchers used a questionnaire as the main research tool, distributed to a research sample of 300 managers from a total population of 718 managers, with 214 managers responding. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V28 software. One of the main conclusions of this research is the presence of a strong positive correlation between authentic leadership and strategic success, as well as a significant impact of authentic leadership on strategic success at both the overall and dimensional levels. Based on these findings, several recommendations were presented, including encouraging the researched organizations to pay more attention to authentic leadership as it has become a global approach adopted by most organizations worldwide. This is in response to the perceived need to combat ethical shortcomings of leaders who can "navigate crises with confidence, optimism, and flexibility.