TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IN BANGLADESHI HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Effective transformational leadership and strategic organizational change are key drivers of Bangladeshi Higher Education (BHE), as understanding their role can address gaps in innovation, effectiveness and sustainability. The influence of leadership reveals ongoing challenges and offers insights to enhance institutional adaptability and the overall quality of higher education delivery. While previous studies focused on short-term outcomes, the long-term effects of transformational leadership in BHE are not well understood, especially regarding achieving lasting reforms across higher education. This study uses longitudinal data from 1994-2023 to assess whether meaningful changes have occurred in BHE and how they relate to transformational leadership practices. Key indicators such as Impact Score, Policy Effectiveness, Innovation Index and Adoption/Sustainability Ratings are evaluated to determine the durability and effectiveness of institutional reforms. Findings indicate that sustainability lags behind other measures, which limits the long-term effects of transformational leadership. Even though policy effectiveness and innovation remain moderately strong and adoption rates fluctuate, it is important to strengthen sustainability integration and support mechanisms that encourage change in order to make sure that innovations and policies lead to long-lasting, meaningful changes in Bangladeshi higher education institutions. Overall, the analysis points out the significance of prioritizing sustainability in Bangladeshi higher education and stimulating transformation through training, incentives and strong leadership. By combining longitudinal evidence with actionable strategies, this study provides practical approaches to enhance institutional performance and integrate sustainability across higher education.