The Influence of Strategic Leadership on Institutional Reputation: A Perspective of Social Exchange Theory in HEIs of Pakistan

Abstract

The study is conducted in the light of Social Exchange Theory (SET) that deals with the impact of strategic leadership on reputation of higher education institutions (HEIs). It explores organizational trust as a mediator between leadership practices and institutional reputation along with moderation by perceived organizational support (POS). This is a quantitative and cross sectional study; survey questionnaire was used for data collection from 220 faculty members of public and private sector universities of Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the projected associations including mediation and moderation effects. The results demonstrate that institutional reputation and organizational trust are significantly impacted by strategic leadership. The relationship between strategic leadership and institutional reputation is partially mediated by organizational trust. The findings reveal that attaining favorable reputational outcomes at HEIs require upholding trustworthy connections and fostering pleasant institutional climates. The study emphasizes to rejuvenate leadership development program, participative governance and faculty support systems to build trust within the institutions.