InFo Vol. 11, No. 1 April 2008 pp. 33 - 50

FEATURE Leadership Styles of Information Technology Administrators in Selected Philippine Adventist Educational Institutions
Adrian Schmidt Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between the Leadership Style of Information Technology (IT) administrators in selected Adventist colleges/universities in the Philippines, and the perception of the consumers about IT services. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of IT services when consumers were grouped by age, number of years in the institution, and level of education completed. Significant differences were found between the faculty, staff and students, with students indicating less favorable perceptions of IT services. Negative correlations were found between the attitude of consumers toward the IT department and the authoritative component of leadership, and a positive correlation was found between a laissez-faire style and attitudes of consumers toward the IT department. Information Technology (IT) departments are often perceived as being characterized by a lot of movement, speed, and the sense of never having enough time. But, are there differences between IT departments? Is there a way to differentiate between IT departments that produce better results and those that are always behind schedule? Between the best IT leaders and the mediocre ones? What are the factors that influence people’s perceptions of IT services? Does leadership style influence their perception? Are there other factors? According to Peter Drucker (as cited in “Leadership,” n.d.), a leader is “someone who has followers” (para. 5). But this is just one part of leadership. Leadership can be defined as “influencing people--by providing purpose, direction and motivation--while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization” (Department of the Army, 1999,