The Impact of Educational Leadership Style on Instructors’ Retention Rate in Higher Education Institutions

This study explored how different leadership styles influenced the decision of instructors to stay at Davao de Oro State College. Faculty turnover had become a growing concern for the institution, raising questions about what leadership approaches might encourage long-term commitment among educators. Guided by Bass’s Transformational Leadership Theory, the research focused on three leadership styles: transformational, transactional, and instructional. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational ex post facto design, the researcher gathered data from 28 instructors who had served for at least five years across four campuses. Survey tools adapted from previous studies helped capture how faculty perceived the leadership behaviors of their academic heads. The findings showed that while transformational leadership was not commonly observed, it still had a positive connection to instructor retention. Transactional leadership had a moderate influence, but instructional leadership stood out with the strongest correlation, especially because of its emphasis on professional growth and direct support for teachers. The study concluded that leadership plays a vital role in shaping a work environment where instructors feel valued and motivated to stay. Strengthening instructional and transformational leadership practices may therefore help reduce turnover and build a more stable academic community.