Influence of Inspirational Leadership on Employee Performance at Iraqi Public Universities: Mindfulness as the mediator

Abstract

Background: Employee performance remains a cornerstone of institutional success in higher education, particularly within public universities facing growing challenges. Inspirational leadership has emerged as a powerful determinant in enhancing work behaviours and aligning individuals with organisational goals. However, its interaction with personal traits, such as mindfulness, and contextual elements, including employee-university fit, remains underexplored in the Iraqi context.

Objective: This study investigates the relationships among inspirational leadership, employee performance, and employee-university fit in Iraqi public universities. It further explores the mediating role of mindfulness in these relationships, guided by the principles of Social Exchange Theory (SET).

Methodology: Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire distributed to 604 academics in Iraqi public universities. A total of 375 valid responses were received (62% response rate). The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data collected between March and May 2024, ensuring adherence to ethical protocols and maintaining participant anonymity.

Results: The findings revealed significant positive associations between inspirational leadership and employee performance. Mindfulness was found to partially mediate the effect of inspirational leadership on performance, strengthening the relational dynamics explained by SET.

Conclusion: Inspirational leadership enhances employee performance directly and indirectly by fostering mindfulness. Such leadership fosters a culture of commitment and psychological well-being in academic institutions.

Unique Contribution: This study provides novel insights into the interplay between leadership style and psychological traits within a Middle Eastern higher education setting, offering empirical evidence and practical implications for improving employee alignment, motivation, and performance in public universities.

Key Recommendation: Public university administrators should invest in leadership development programmes focusing on inspirational behaviours to cultivate employee mindfulness and improve overall performance and employee-university fit.