Personal Factors and Leadership Skills of Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel in a Private Sectarian College

Abstract

This study investigated the leadership skills of teaching and non-teaching personnel in a private sectarian college in Toledo City, Cebu, and examined differences based on personal factors, specifically sex and educational attainment. Employing a descriptive-comparative design, the study involved 40 purposively selected personnel. Data were gathered through a face-to-face survey using a structured questionnaire measuring six leadership dimensions: communication, decision-making, teamwork, motivation, organization, and personal development. Descriptive statistics (means) were used to assess leadership levels, while Independent Samples T-Test and One-Way ANOVA tested differences by sex and educational attainment.  Results showed that overall leadership skills were rated “High” (grand mean = 3.89). Motivation (3.95) and teamwork (4.00) emerged as the strongest dimensions, while communication (3.79) and organization (3.80) reflected areas needing improvement. Sex did not significantly influence leadership skills (t(38) = 0.78, p = 0.441), with both male and female personnel reporting similar high ratings. However, educational attainment had a significant effect (F(6,33) = 3.45, p = 0.009), with advanced degree holders (Doctorate mean = 4.68, “Very High”) outperforming those with lower educational levels (High School mean = 3.45, “Moderate”). The effect size (η² ≈ 0.39) indicated a moderate-to-strong impact of education on leadership competencies. Therefore, leadership skills among personnel are generally strong, but continuous improvement is needed in communication facilitation, decision-making under pressure, and work-life balance. While sex does not differentiate leadership capacity, educational attainment significantly enhances leadership skills, underscoring the importance of advanced education and professional development. The study recommends that sectarian colleges invest in inclusive leadership training and continuing education pathways to cultivate equitable and future-ready leadership across all personnel.