Validation of Authentic Leadership Questionnaire in Pakistani Context: Evidence form Higher Education Institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the validity of Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. Although, the ALQ has been used worldwide in different organizational fields, however, little is known about its psychometric features in the context of HEIs. This study is therefore an endure to explore its psychometric features in Pakistani context taking evidences form HEIs of KP, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was applied to know about the leaderships style in HEIs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Data were collected from 1437 employees of HEIs through convenient sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approaches. A factor loading of .40 was set as the item selection criteria for retaining in the scale. Using Principle Component Analysis (CFA), the four factor structure was assessed. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through AMOS, the results of this study showed that the four dimensional ALQ is a reliable and valid instrument in HEIs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The construct validity provided evidences concerning applicability of the ALQ in the same context. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the ALQ may be tested in other organizational cultures in Pakistani context to enlarge its scope in other fields of research. Leadership style, associated with working behavior of employees, is considered a significant predictor in the overall organizations' performance. Keywords: Authentic Learning, Scale Validation, Higher Education