Impact of Leadership Styles on Faculty Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study in Self- Financed Colleges of the University of Calicut

This study examines the impact of leadership styles on faculty job satisfaction in self-financed
colleges under the University of Calicut. The study focuses on three leadership styles:
transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership. It also examines job satisfaction
through dimensions such as work environment, supervision and leadership, pay and promotion,
collegial relationships, and recognition and career advancement opportunities. A descriptive and
causal-comparative research design was adopted, and data were collected from faculty members
through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using percentage analysis, descriptive
statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. The findings show
that transformational leadership has the strongest positive influence on faculty job satisfaction,
followed by transactional leadership, while laissez-faire leadership has a negative influence. The
results also reveal significant differences in job satisfaction based on faculty rank and age group.
The study concludes that active, supportive, and participative leadership practices are essential
for improving faculty motivation, satisfaction, and institutional performance in self-financed
colleges.