PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP DECISIONS ON ACADEMIC STAFF CAREER PROGRESSION IN RIVERS STATEUNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived influence of ethical leadership decisions on academic staff career progression at Rivers State University. The study revealed fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity as dimensions for ethical leadership. Three objectives, three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The research employed a descriptive survey design, with a population of 1,705 comprising of 120-line leaders (Deans and HOD’s) and 1585 academic staff in Rivers State University, A sample of 398 individuals (92-line leaders and 306 academic staff) was derived through Krejcie Morgan table of sample size determination.The CronbachAlpha statistics method was used to determine theinternal consistency of the instrument which yielded reliability indexes of 0.83, 0.89 and 0.78. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, and the analysis was performed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and ztests to test the hypotheses. Findings from the study revealed among ethical leadership decisions impacts on academic staff career progression in Rivers State University to a high extent, and fairness, transparency and respect for human dignity in leadership decisions significantly impacts on academic staff career progression, to a high extent. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Line leaders should prioritize merit-based decisions when assigning responsibilities and promoting staff. This includes ensuring that all academic staff, regardless of their social or tribal affiliations, have equal opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Also, the study advocates for leadership training to ensure fair and inclusive decision-making processes in academic institutions.