Contextual Influences on Leader Development Among Natural Scientists in Uganda

Abstract

The study's aim is to ascertain the role of contextual influences on leader development among natural scientists in Uganda differ from those of non-scientist leaders in the Ugandan context. The study design, methodology, and approach include a retrospective mixed-methods multi-case comparative case study to examine the leader development lifespan experiences of technical expert scientists holding leadership positions in organizations of different sectors. Purposive sampling was used to select senior expert natural scientists providing sustainability leadership at healthcare organizations, at the Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries and affiliate agencies. Non-scientist leaders from Uganda Revenue Authority were included as a comparator group. Findings reveal that scientists experience normative behaviors right from their undergraduate levels only focused on technical skills being devoid of soft skills. Research limitations and implications direct to the need for developing leaders through coaching and mentoring, as well as leadership succession planning.