Influence of leadership on effective decision making in public administration in Uganda: case study of Hoima city council

Abstract

This research analyses the influence of leadership on the effectiveness of decision-making in public administration with a case study of Hoima City Council. Objectives are; to examine the influence of leadership styles on effective decision-making in public administration in Hoima City Council, to assess the role of leadership competencies in enhancing decision-making processes within Hoima City Council's public administration, and to establish the Strategies for promoting effective decision making in Public administration in Hoima City Council. The study used an explanatory research design with a mixed methods approach, quantitative data was collected through questionnaires while qualitative data was collected through interviews with the administrators. The study discovered that democratic leadership was most directly used, whereas the transactional and transformational styles were moderate. Key leadership competencies such as problem-solving and communication were observed to enhance the quality of decisions. The study identified strategies for promoting effective decision making in public administration like training, stakeholder involvement, and accountability. It suggested transformative leadership, better-planned strategies, and lean processes to advance the decisions of the public administration.