This article examines different approaches to leadership and management in higher education to improve the quality of the educational process and the sustainability of universities. The study is based on a mixed method, including both quantitative and qualitative data collected from teachers, administrative staff and students. The main focus is on transformational and situational leadership, as well as the influence of organizational culture and employee motivation on management effectiveness. The results showed that the use of strategic and flexible leadership contributes to improving the quality of teaching, increasing staff satisfaction and reducing staff turnover. The findings of the study are supported by specific examples and numerical data, which highlight the importance of a holistic approach to leadership development in higher education.

leadership, management, higher education, transformational leadership, situational leadership, organizational culture, motivation, management effectiveness.

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