ItemArticle

Social capital as a catalyst for leadership excellence: the mediating role of institutional reputation in Indian higher education

Title
Social capital as a catalyst for leadership excellence: the mediating role of institutional reputation in Indian higher education
Creator
Balaji, Vaishnavi; Manigandan, R.; Supriya, R.; Priya, A. Shakti; Reddy, Bhanu Sree; Raman, Manju Shree; Assefa, Mitku
Description
Drawing upon social capital theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of social capital on leadership effectiveness through mediating role of institutional reputation in higher educational institution. Data were collected from 310 academic leaders, including HODs, area chairs, and deans, using a structured online questionnaire. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed for analysis. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between social capital and leadership effectiveness, highlighting the importance of interpersonal trust, collaborative culture, and professional networks in influencing strategic vision, decision-making, and transformational leadership skills. Moreover, institutional reputation is identified as a partial mediator in this relationship, indicating that robust social capital not only improves direct leadership outcomes but also enhances the perceived credibility and prestige of institutions, hence strengthening leadership legitimacy and influence. This study enhances the sparse empirical literature linking social capital and leadership within the Indian higher education sector and provides pragmatic insights for policymakers and institutional leaders aiming to cultivate trust-based cultures and reputational capital. The study concludes with ideas for cultivating social capital via inclusive governance, faculty involvement, and external collaborations to improve leadership efficacy and ensure sustained institutional success. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Source
International Journal of Learning and Change;Volume;17;Issue;4;pp.381-408
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Inderscience Publishers
Subject
academic leadership; HEIs; higher educational institutions; Indian higher education; institutional reputation; leadership effectiveness; PLS-SEM; relational governance; SEM; social capital; structural equation modelling
Coverage
Balaji V., Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, VTU, MBA, Bangalore, India; Manigandan R., Faculty of Management, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai, India; Supriya R., Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560107, India; Priya A.S., VIT Business School, VIT University, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, India; Reddy B.S., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Yerpedu Mandal,Srinivasapuram, Panguru (G.P), Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, 517619, India; Raman M.S., Christ University, Yeshwanthpur Campus, Bangalore, India; Assefa M., Wollo University, Dessie, 5JH8+2MX, Ethiopia
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 17402875;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Balaji, Vaishnavi; Manigandan, R.; Supriya, R.; Priya, A. Shakti; Reddy, Bhanu Sree; Raman, Manju Shree; Assefa, Mitku, “Social capital as a catalyst for leadership excellence: the mediating role of institutional reputation in Indian higher education,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23308.

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