An Assessment of Characteristics of Good Leadership (in Case of

Hawassa Central Prison Institution in Siadama Regional State,

Ethiopia

By: Dubale Hatia Torshe

Advisor: Worku Woyesa

A Thesis Proposal is Submitted to Doniko Seminarium College in

Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Masters in Biblical
Leadership

FEBRUARY, 2025

HAWASSA ETHIOPIA

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 Dan Bible College

Advisors’ Approval Sheet

This is to certify that the Thesis entitled “ An Assessment of Characteristics of Good Leadership
(in Case of Hawassa Central Prison Institution in Siadama Regional State, Ethiopia ”
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements Masters in Biblical Leadership, has been carried out
by Dubale Hatia Torshe, under my supervision. Therefore I recommend that the student has fulfilled the
requirements and hence hereby can submit the Thesis Proposal to Dan Bible College.

________________________ _________________

Name of Principal Advisor Signature Date

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Contents
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................3
1.1. Background of the Study.............................................................................................................3
1.2. Statement of Problem..................................................................................................................4
1.3. Basic Research Questions............................................................................................................5
1.4. Objectives of the Study................................................................................................................5
1.4.1. General Objective of the Study............................................................................................5
1.4.2. Specific Objectives of the Study...........................................................................................5
1.5. Significance of the Study.............................................................................................................6
1.6. Scope of the Study.......................................................................................................................6
1.7. Organization of the Paper............................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO.........................................................................................................................................7
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE...................................................................................................7
2. Theoretical Literature..........................................................................................................................7
2.1. Concept of Leadership.................................................................................................................7
2.1.1. Transactional or management theory:.................................................................................8
2.1.2. Leadership ability.................................................................................................................9
2.1.3. Modern leadership styles.....................................................................................................9
2.1.4. Qualities of a Good Leader.................................................................................................10
CHAPTER THREE...................................................................................................................................11
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................11
3.1. Research Design........................................................................................................................11
3.2. Types and Sources of Data........................................................................................................11
3.3. Target Population.......................................................................................................................11
3.4. Method of Data Collection.........................................................................................................11
3.5. Method of Data Analysis...........................................................................................................11
3.6. Ethical Consideration.................................................................................................................12
References.................................................................................................................................................13
Time Schedule...........................................................................................................................................16
Budget Breakdown....................................................................................................................................17

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This first Chapter includes the introductory parts of study such as background of the study,
statement of problem, basic research questions, objectives of study, significance of the study,
delimitation of study and organization of study.

1.1. Background of the Study

The role of leadership is very vital and is the leader who governs whether our public
organizations are serving in a good manner or whether they employing the resources. It is very
important to not underestimate the contribution of leaders in guaranteeing best organizational
performance. To attain this goal, it is very important to provide sufficient motivation, suitable
work environment, effective communication among leaders and employees. Moreover, employee
satisfaction through designing and arrangement of work is similarly very vital in organizational
achievement although absenteeism is possibly to decline when personnel’s are happy.
Satisfaction is one of means to maintain employee within the organization which leaders to
benefits by acquiring the return on investment. This indicates that satisfying employees could
play a countless part in the achievement of an organization performance. Thus, leadership with
high employee’s satisfaction within the organization results in high productivity (Gregersen,
etal.,1998).

Some of the most vital leadership characteristics, found in individuals who do an excellent job of
leading a team and receiving things done, include humility, a sense of vision, fortitude, patience
fairness and being a good listener. Individuals with strong leadership attributes use a specific set
of skills. It seems to looks like charisma, but it is not. Effective leaders frequently share
characteristics that pay to the achievement of their organizations, such as devotion, strong
communication capacity and sympathy. Outstanding leaders can be essential to the achievement
of a company. Great leaders can be established by learning leadership characteristics.

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Though there is not a single correct way to efficiently lead a group, there are several
characteristics common between effective leaders and managers which we should consider when
developing your leadership abilities. Ineffective leadership can charge businesses more than just
self-esteem. Rendering to study from 24 percent of employees are actively disengaged as a result
of poor management, leading to teams that are less productive, less profitable, and more likely to
cause turnover. That is why real leadership is so significant. In order to recall employees, satisfy
customers, and improve company efficiency, we need people who can efficiently communicate
the company’s vision, guide teams, and influence change (Oberu, 2011).

Thus, based on the above evidences of literatures, this study will investigate the characteristic of
good leadership in the study area like integrity, dominant leadership characteristics, transparency
and employee engagement.

1.2. Statement of Problem

Over the last seventy years, the theory of organizational leadership created several methods to
describe leadership effectiveness. Effective leaders frequently share characteristics that pay to
the achievement of their organizations, such as devotion, strong communication capacity and
sympathy. Outstanding leaders can be essential to the achievement of a company. Great leaders
can be established by learning leadership characteristics (Oynde, etal., 2009).

Global leadership was first related to company success in the late 1990’s. More recent studies
have validated the importance of global leadership. A study by McKinsey identified global
leadership as the key factor for company success, and among the ten most urgent issues listed in
the World Economic Forum (WEF) global agenda outlook, the global leadership vacuum was
identified as the most significant challenge. Rendering to Ibrahim and Daniel from Nigeria the
characteristics of leadership has a direct effect on the organizational performance as it directly
affects the employee performance. The study among others things revealed that participating of
leadership and designation of responsibilities improves the employee performance and
accomplishment of company goals and objectives. Leaders in Africa face sequence of problems
since they are frequently selected on the basis of a performance record as professionals with an
assumption that this provides adequate starting fact for leadership [Oynde, etal., 2017].

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This leads executives to lead and succeed deprived of having skill and acquaintance of
leadership. Similarly, Tekleselassie in Tony and George exemplifies that in Ethiopia rather than
focusing on leadership ability which based on leadership characteristics organizational leaders
are those who are either outstanding in their job assignments or those who are popular among
colleagues or their superiors. The main point that inspire researcher to conduct this study is that
the previous studies had a tendency of gap on some areas like focusing on specific leadership
style and generalizing by relying on intended style only, lack of inclusiveness to incorporate
current study which means there is no study conducted by including this study area. Thus, this
study will be concerned to investigate characteristics of good leadership such as integrity,
dominant leadership characteristics, transparency and employee engagement.

1.3. Basic Research Questions

2. To what extent the leader exhibits integrity in the study area?
3. What are the dominant leadership characteristics in Hawassa Cenntral prison institution?
4. Is your leader transparent while leading organization?
5. Is there employee engagement in the study area?

1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.4.1. General Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to assess characteristics of good leader in Hawassa Central
Prison Institution of Sidama Regional State.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives of the Study

Some specific objectives of the study are the following:

 To assess the extent leader exhibit integrity in the study area.

 To identify the dominant leadership characteristics in Hawassa Cenntral prison institution
 To assess transparency of leader in the study area.
 To identify the extent of employee engagement in the study area.

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1.5. Significance of the Study

This study will be important for leaders and employees of the study area as it creates
understanding about the characteristics of good leadership and problems associated with their
style of leadership as well as for further needed adjustment. Also, this study will help for policy
makers to use as input for here after preparation of directives. In addition to that, this study will
be essential for other researchers to use as empirical literature. And finally, it is critical for
current researcher as it equips and provide with skills as well as knowledge.

1.6. Scope of the Study

Geographically, this study will be delimited and conducted to assess characteristics of good
leadership in Hawassa Central Prison Institution of Sidama Regional State. Conceptually, this
study will focus on to assess characteristics of good leadership . Methodologically, descriptive
research design will be employed to describe current phenomenon of characteristics of good
leadership. Timeframe of this study will be as a cross-sectional study to be completed in within
seven months.

1.7. Organization of the Paper

This study will be organized in to five Chapters: Chapter one presents the introduction parts like
background, statement of the problem, objectives, hypothesis testing, significance of the study,
scope, and organization of the paper. Chapter Two will include both conceptual and empirical
literature. Chapter three will deal about research methodology: such as research design, sources
of data, target Population, sampling technique, instruments of data collection, methods of data
collection and analysis. Chapter Four will contain data presentation and analysis. Finally,
Chapter five will include summary, conclusion and recommendation of the findings.

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 CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2. Theoretical Literature
2.1. Concept of Leadership

The concept leadership is stated by a number of terms and definitions to describe it; hence the
meaning and interpretation of leadership seems to vary in the literature. Leadership is a broad,
multifaceted phenomenon that does not lend itself consensus in meaning. It is often defined as
the communal process of prompting individuals to work willingly, actively and insistently
towards the attainment of organizational objectives Consequently, leadership is the capability to
inspiration, encourage and empower others to contribute towards the success and achievement of
their business. Yukl express leadership as the capacity of an individual to Impact, inspire, and
empower others to contribute towards the effectiveness and success of the organization. Also,
Jacobs and Jacques specified that leadership is a course of providing purpose in meaningful
direction to shared effort, and producing willing effort to be expended to attain a drive or
objective (Rickler, 2022).

Leadership and Theoretical analysis, and empirical review: Leadership theory deal with the
abilities of decent leaders. Psychologists investigate and advance leadership theory, and scholars
try to realize the shared qualities or behavioral designs of outstanding leaders. There are six key
leadership philosophies which includes: The situational theory of leadership no coloration to a
definite type of leader or argues that any one style is greatest. In its place, situational theory
claims that the best type of leader is one who can able to familiarize her style built on the
condition. They may reply to a situation by imposing, schooling, urging, partaking, assigning or
though they consider is necessary. Situational leaders are distinct by their tractability Great man
theory: Shows that outstanding leaders are innate, not developing (Saul, 2012).

A common idea in the 19th century, this theory says that leadership is an intrinsic value. This
kind of leader frequently holds the natural qualities of intellect, mettle, confidence, perception
and attraction, among others. The trait theory of leadership dictates that definite usual qualities
incline to make respectable leaders.

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Having definite potentials does not essentially mean somebody has durable leadership skills,
though. Some leaders may be outstanding listeners or communicators, but not each auditor or
communicator makes an outstanding leader. One of the significant ideas of behavioral theory is
habituation. Conditioning dictate that an individual will be more likely to turn or lead in a
definite style as an effect of environmental reactions to behavior.

2.1.1. Transactional or management theory:

The transactional theory of leadership, also named "the organization theory," studies leadership
as a scheme of plunders and consequences. It views actual leadership as results based and
ranked. Transactional leaders rank demand and assembly over inspiration. The transformational
theory of leadership, similarly called "the relationship theory," studies operative leadership as the
consequence of an optimistic relationship among leaders and subordinates. Transformational
leaders inspire and motivate over their eagerness and desire. They are a perfect for their teams,
and they grasp themselves to the same standard they imagine of others.

A leader must be able to inspire and shape the employees, thus they will not fully reliant on on
their manager. It is anticipated that the operates are independent, so that this attitude reflects self-
leader. To achieve the accountability to shape the staff’s freedom, a leader must possess essential
leadership characteristics be effective in their leading ability. The application of roles, function,
and responsibility will be operative if the leader get beliefs from all members of the organization.
Mu-LiYang clarifies that the scholars found that the effective leadership gives an impact on the
subordinates. In other word, employee’s commitment depends on the quality of the leaders
Howell and Costley Hopkins, 0’ Neli and Bilimoria put more importance on the leadership
effectivity or the capacity of leader in building team. Derue, presents the idea the leadership
effectiveness is measured from three aspects, such as contents, analysis level and evaluation
target. The result of the study from Nguni and colleague reveals that leadership characteristic has
a direct positive impact on the effectiveness of the leader (Saul, 2012).

Tasmara explain that individual personality, believe and giving meaning to certain mater may
influence the leader effectiveness. According to John and Davis leadership trait based on
behavior of the leader, thus, leadership trait is an individual attitude or action in an organization
in performing their tasks and achieving desired goal.

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Tasmara study the relationship between leadership affectivity and work ethics and he revealed in
his study that the link can be measured by appreciating time, persistent and never give up; and
individual with work ethics tends to work hard, continuously in facing every pressure/ challenge
(Stroh, 1998).

2.1.2. Leadership ability

It is indisputable that there are limitless studies on how people obtain leadership skill, though,
the aristocracies accept as true that it is in the blood just like domain. Most effort recognized
today efforts to label leadership act and methods, hypothesize about why leaders arise;
comprehend people and the subtleties of relational relationships. Both close and distant, there
happen extremely gifted people with leadership skill. Numerous casual groups; introductory to
college, personal to communal institutions, customary settings to contemporary setting all have
illustrious set of people who have established superior leadership act. Though, teaching this
procedure can be problematic. This could be owing to the reality that leadership is a vibrant
individual process. Leadership might be supposed to be vibrant since it varies with situations and
individuals complicated. It is also supposed to be individual since of the inter-personal impacts
allowable. Though, this procedure could be problematic, which could be credited to the fact that
leadership is a active individual process. Leadership could be supposed to be vibrant because it
differs with conditions and persons involved. It is similarly said to be individual as of the
relational inspirations allowed, temporarily, this does not essentially mean straight contact
among the leader and the assistants. Though some leaders are recognized to have straight contact
with their assistants as showed in most small-scale businesses, others are canceled of this
process, perhaps because of greater number of underlings involved.

2.1.3. Modern leadership styles

Leadership style is well-defined as a structure of a number of characters, features and behaviors

that are applied by leaders for commencing with their aides Mitonga-Monga and Coetzee, They
reproduce expert as the plan associated with managerial conduct, which is predictable to engage
the authoritative or distinct deliberation and goods for accomplishing plain purposes.

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Leadership styles can also be spoken as a communiqué means among an individual that allows
people to work collectively for a common purposes or objectives. Rendering to modern
leadership styles, leadership styles can be branded as culture-based leadership, transactional
leadership, charismatic leadership, visionary leadership and transformational leadership styles.

2.1.4. Qualities of a Good Leader

Today academics, theorists and psychologists have discovered numerous common traits that
define a great leader. A famous quote by Ross Perot cited in Anderson (2015) states “Lead and
inspire people. Don’t try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but
people must be led” (Anderson, 2015). A good example of a good business leader with excellent
leadership qualities is Harpo Inc. Chairperson Oprah Winfrey. Harpo Inc. is one of the fastest
growing organizations in the world founded in 1986 Chicago, Illinois in the United States of
America by the world famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey (Plunkett, 2009) & (Driscoll, 2011).
Some of the qualities that have been identified to be qualities of a good leader are: Confidence,
Toughness & inspiration, Ability to communicate the vision & values, establish the right culture
in the organization, Honest, integrity and transparency, Humility, Learn from failure and bad
experiences, Commitment, Ability to identify and attract talent.

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 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design

This study will be employed as a descriptive research design. According to Kothari (2004), the
major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at the
present. So, this study will be conducted as descriptive research design because; the study will
try to show overall existing situation of characteristics of good leadership in the study area.
Research Method of this study will be both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

3.2. Types and Sources of Data

Primary data will be used for this study. Because, to enhance reliability of the study. Based on
the nature, this study will be undertaken by using primary data adequately to assure accuracy of
the result. Primary data are those which are collected a fresh hand for the time and thus happen
to be original in character (Kothari, 2004).

3.3. Target Population

Target population of this study is all 210 members of Hawassa Central Prison institution. Census
will be used to this study because the number of respondents is manageable.

3.4. Method of Data Collection

Sufficiently primary data will be collected through structured questionnaire that distributed to
respondents and interview to leaders of institution.

3.5. Method of Data Analysis

Primary data will be processed by editing, coding and classifying to arrange data in group or
classes on the bases of common characteristics of gathered information. Also, data will be
analyzed by using descriptive analysis.

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The analysis of data will be based on the response collected through questionnaire as well as
interview. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) 20 version will be used for analysis.

3.6. Ethical Consideration

To secure professional consideration, all in text citation and references will be acknowledged.
For this study to collect data, first of all researcher will take letter of support from department of
management that reveals background of researcher as well as the objectives of the study.
Researcher also will ask permission or corporation from institutions of the study area to create
harmonic relationship with them. In order to overcome the challenges that may encounter by
reluctance of respondents and to enhance accuracy and reliability of the study, researcher also
will tell that the aim of this study to respondents and will ask their willingness and cooperation to
give relevant information. Also, researcher will try to assure the guarantees to the respondents
that their names need not be revealed in the questionnaires and research report. In addition to
that, researcher will assure to respondents that the purpose of the study is required only for
academic affair.

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References

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Available: www.forbes.com/sites/amyanderson/2013/01/14/good-leaders-are-invaluable-to-
a-company-bad

leaders-will-destroy-it/ (November 18, 2015).

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Barrow, J.C. (1977). The variables of leadership: Leadership: A review and conceptual
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Benscotter, G.M. and Rothwell, W. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Human Resources

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Cagle, S.G(1998). Fiedler's Contingency Theory of Leadership Effectiveness. Dissertation

Abstracts International.

Driscoll, M. (2011), 10 Entrepreneurs Who Changed the World. [Online] Available:

Gottfried, A.E., Gottfried, A.W., Reichard, R.J., Guerin, D.W., Oliver, P.H (2011).
Motivational roots of leadership: A longitudinal study from childhood through
adulthood. The Leadership Quarterly, 22(3), 510-519.

Goleman, D. (1998). What Makes a Leader? Harvard Business Review, March-April, 94-97.

Gregersen HB, Morrison AJ, Black JS. (1998). Developing leaders for the global frontier.
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Hosain, M. M. (2015). Characteristics of a Leader: A Literature Review. Journal of Human

Resource Management, 3(2), 22-30.

Hasan, M. R. (2019). Leadership: Characteristics, theories and importance of good

leadership. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 11(2), 125-131.

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 Hogan, R. (2019). The Dark Side of Personality in Leadership Development and Selection.
Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(3), 444-464.

Kapoor, R. (2020). Characteristics of effective Leadership: A comprehensive study. Journal

of Leadership and Management, 6(2), 45-62.

Korabik.K(2010) Leadership: Why Gender and Culture Matter. American Psychologist

(65)3: 157-170.

Obiwuru TC, Okwu AT, Akpa VO, Nwankwere IA (2011). Effects of leadership style
on organizational performance: A survey of selected small scale enterprises in
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Res. ;1(7):100.

Olanrewaju, Oludolapo & Okorie, Victor. (2019). Exploring the Qualities of a Good Leader
Using Principal Component Analysis. Jeppm ,9. 142-150. 10.2478.

Oyinlade AO. A method of assessing leadership effectiveness. Performance improvement

quarterly. 2006;19(1):25-40.

Oyinlade AO, Ajuwon PM. (2017). Perceptions of leadership effectiveness in schools for
children who are blind or have low vision in Nigeria. Int J Leadership Educ.;20(1):11.

Oyinlade AO, Gellhaus M, Darboe K. Essential behavioral qualities for effective leadership
in schools for students who are visually impaired: A national study. J Vis Impair
Blind. 2003; 97(7):389-402.

Plunkett, J.A. (2009), Plunkett's Entertainment & Media Industry Almanac. Texas: Plunkett
Research Limited.

Rickley M, Stackhouse M. Global leadership effectiveness: A multilevel review and

exploration of the construct domain. Adv Glob Leadr. 2022. 14.

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 Rudolf, P. (2016). Qualities of Good Leader and Its Benefit to the Organization: A Literature
Review. International Journal of Business and Management, 11(4), 1-9.

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Time Schedule

N Activities December January February March April May June

o 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025
1 Proposal preparation
2 Proposal submission
3 Preparing questionnaires
5 Distributing questionnaires
6 Data collection
7 Data analysis
8 Submit the first draft
9 Submit the Second Draft
10 Submit the Final Draft
11 Thesis Defense
Source: own data 2025

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Budget Breakdown

No Items Quantity Price per item Total cost Remark

1 Evaluation of questionnaires - - 1,500
2 Typing questionnaires papers 171 3 513
3 Distributing & collecting questionnaires 15 Days 100 1,500
4 Data processing and analysis - - 3,000
5 Printing first draft of research paper 100 3 300
6 Editing first draft by experienced person - - 2,000
7 Printing final research report 100*3 3 900
8 Binding research paper 3 250 750
9 Rewritable CDs 2 100 200
10 Flash disc 1 600 600
11 Miscellaneous expense - - 3,000
12 Total Cost 14,263
Source: own data 2025

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