ASSESSING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND ITS CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS: IN THE CASE OF ENOR WOREDA

Abstract

After the down fall of the military regime, the current government of Ethiopia had shown the commitment to improve public sector leadership. For the last two decades, all the federal, regional and local governments made a number of efforts to develop the capacities of public sector leaders. However, many public sectors still lack well experienced and competent leaders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of leadership development in EWPSOs. The descriptive research design by using mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research approach was applied. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample respondents. The data were collected from public servants, Woreda cabinet and Woreda top management through questionnaire, interview and FGD respectively. The analysis of quantitative data was made by using SPSS computer software while the analysis of qualitative data was made by following qualitative data analysis procedures. The findings of the study show that short term trainings, management courses in universities, selection and self- help activities are the main leadership development practices that are being exercised in EWPSOs. However, these leadership development practices are not properly implemented Lack of well- organized and integrated leadership development plan, lack of identifying the basic leadership competencies and the better developmental activities, improper selection of young and new leaders for leadership positions and lack of conducive organizational culture are the basic challenges that hinder the effectiveness of leadership development efforts of public sector organizations. Finally, recommended that EWPSOs should understand the importance of developing many leaders in today's complex situation to address the fast increasing need and demand of the society.