Assessing presidential vulnerability in a partisan landscape: A mediation analysis of leadership among local universities and colleges in the Philippines

Abstract

This study examined the vulnerability of leadership among the Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) that are heavily influenced by political factors during the period of local elections. This study used a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) mediation analysis to investigate the intricate interplay of leadership characteristics, political beliefs, and the vulnerability of the LUCs presidency. The study revealed that there is no significant influence of leadership characteristics and political beliefs on perceived vulnerability  (Indirect Effect: β = 0.00503, p = 0.846; Leadership Characteristics ⇒ Political Beliefs: β = -0.18697, p = 0.257; Political Beliefs ⇒ Presidential Vulnerability: β = -0.02689, p = 0.788; Direct Effect: β = -0.13358, p = 0.367; Total Effect: β = -0.12855, p = 0.367).The findings indicate that leadership at LUCs exhibited vulnerability, especially after the loss of an incumbent local official, irrespective of their leadership characteristics or political views. The findings challenges prevailing assumptions and underscore the need of using broader criteria for assessing leadership risk. This research has significant implications for policy formulation and decision-making within the realms of higher education. The implementation of collaborative leadership development programs, promotion of ethical leadership, maintenance of non-partisanship, active involvement of stakeholders, establishment of succession planning, and utilization of effective conflict resolution processes are suggested. It is viewed that a comprehensive exploration of the legal framework governing the relationships between LUCs and local government entities is imperative for a deeper contextual understanding.