Perceived leadership style of Jordanian academic deans in higher education institutions: Qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative study focuses on the perceptions of two academic deans and their leadership styles. The leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire is used as a frame for analyzing data. Using qualitative methods, observation and interview data were collected. Two themes emerged, Initiating Structure, and Consideration. The Initiating Structure behavior of leaders was all are open to different strategies in problem solving and annual review to make sure faculty/staff members work to capacity. When it came to Consideration, the dominant behavior patterns among deans was having an open door policy with their faculty, willing to make changes, and having high morale within the college.