Factors Influencing the Development of Managerial and Leadership Skills among College Professionals in Tamil Nadu Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities

This study examines the cultivation of managerial and leadership competencies among college professionals in Tamil Nadu's higher education sector, pinpointing critical elements that affect skill development. The research used a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative insights to evaluate the influence of demographic, institutional, external, and personal factors on the development of leadership qualities. The study emphasizes the significance of technical, conceptual, and interpersonal skills in leadership development and underscores the influence of organizational culture, societal norms, and individual motivation on skill acquisition. The study assesses the efficacy of current professional development programs and advocatesfor more focused, customized training to tackle the issues encountered by college workers. The investigation demonstrates that personal motives, institutional support, and social factors exert the most substantial influence on leadership skills through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and General Linear Modeling (GLM). The study provides recommendations for improving professional development programs, highlighting the incorporation of both technical and interpersonal abilities, and underscores the significance of a supportive institutional culture to cultivate successful leadership in higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu