Exploring the Impact of Servant Leadership on Faculty Motivation and Empowerment in Pakistani Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This study looks at how servant leadership impacts faculty empowerment and motivation in public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Servant leadership, defined by qualities like empathy, trust, and collaborative decision-making, is gaining recognition as a leadership style that promotes both personal and professional growth. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a foundation, the research investigates how servant leadership boosts motivation and psychological empowerment by meeting faculty members’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The study followed a quantitative research approach, conducting a cross-sectional survey of university faculty from four public universities in Pakistan. The results show that servant leadership creates an inclusive workplace, increases faculty engagement, and leads to better educational outcomes by encouraging empowerment and motivation. This research addresses an important gap by exploring how servant leadership works in collectivistic and hierarchical cultures. On a practical level, the study emphasizes the need for HEI administrators and policymakers to adopt servant leadership strategies to improve faculty well-being and overall institutional performance.

Keywords: Servant Leadership, Employee Empowerment, Employee Motivation, HEIs