Investigation of relationship between style of transformational leadership and quality improvement of agricultural higher education (Case study: University of Tehran, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources)

This research was conducted to investigate relationship between transformational leadership style and academic quality improvement. The statistical population of the study consisted of all faculty members in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (University of Tehran) (N= 212). Applying stratified proportional random sampling and Cochran formula, 122 faculty members were selected. Questionnaire was used for data collection. MLQ scale (Multi Factor Leadership Questionnaire) and AQIP scale respectively were used for measuring level of transformational leadership and academic quality improvement. According to findings, the highest level of transformational leadership was in level of weak (42.6% responses). Transformational leadership components (Idealized behavior, Individual Consideration, Intellectual Stimulation and Inspirational Motivation) had positive and significant relationship with academic quality improvement (P<0.01). Findings also revealed that age, scientific rank and academic experience were not significantly correlated with academic quality improvement. According to regression analysis, among variables entered into analysis, only variable of Inspirational Motivation (Beta= 0.686) was effective on academic quality improvement.