Thesis (PHD) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Business Administration Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 126-150)

ABSTRACT
Many organisations have started working on leadership styles to have a competitive advantage over others. Most businesses are now interested in organisational behaviours to improve the efficiency and effectiveness, increase outputs and service quality. Therefore; it contributes towards organisational development and success in a wider view.
Previous studies have showed that leadership styles, organizational commitment and organizational performance are widely discussed. However, more research is necessary on those variables and their impact in an organisation especially in SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises).
Different relevant studies showed that, there are lots of researches which are supporting the relationship between leadership styles, organizational commitment, and organizational performance. The collective research on these three constructs is few in the SMEs. This study, however, consider it as an educational research gap. Furthermore in this study, it examines the relationship between leadership styles (in terms of transactional and transformational) and organizational performance, and the mediating effects of organisational commitment on leadership styles and organizational performance in SMEs in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The sample consisted of 400 SMEs in Iraqi Kurdistan; all SMEs were established after 2003 (after the collapse of Saddam regime). This study used quantitative approach that comprises well structural and literature-based questionnaire which was administered both face-to-face and via email. Even though, the use of structured questionnaires showed a good conceptualization of the study framework and this would help extending it to transformational and transactional styles, organisational commitment and organizational performance where the mediating role of organisational commitment was used as an intermediary between two constructs which helps the body of knowledge through the impact of transformational and transactional styles.
The findings demonstrated the positive effect of transformational and transactional leadership on organizational commitment and organizational performance in SMEs. By testing the mediating role of organizational commitment, this study revealed the importance of organizational commitment for leaders‟ effectiveness which could benefit the entrepreneur of Iraqi Kurdistan, or any foreign entrepreneurs that engage in new businesses in the region also identifying the best leadership styles that is more effective in SMEs. The research can also help leaders and relevant officers in SMEs (e.g. HR managers) during the decision-making process in selecting the right people for leadership positions, e.g. CEOs. Finally, this study serves as the first attempt to test the relationship among these three variables in SME context, especially in a region like Iraqi Kurdistan.