Abstract:
Having troubles in change leadership within a university can affect the efficiency of staff and their commitment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of change leadership practices on staff organizational commitment at the University of Khartoum. To meet the purpose of the study, the researcher used a parallel mixed methods design. A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from staff members and leaders at the University of Khartoum. The one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions were employed for data analyses. Hence, the study came up with several findings. The most important were; the University of Khartoum practiced change leadership to create a climate for change, engage and enable the whole organization, and implement and sustain change, respectively.The study indicated that the overall level of staff organizational commitment at the University of Khartoum was high. The study stated that change leadership practices had a positive and low relationship with organizational commitment at the University of Khartoum. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that the dimensions of change leadership practices jointly predicted staff organizational commitment. Thus, the implementing and sustaining change dimension explained 14.6% of the variance in the organizational commitment. The study recommended that the importance of change must be embedded in the vision, strategies, and objectives of the University of Khartoum to create a strong climate for change in the University environment. Accordingly, the University of Khartoum leaders should empower staff to work toward the change goals.Consequently, change leadership practices need to have committed staff members to effectively achieve the change vision and goals. As a result, university leaders and college officials should consider the staff's commitment while introducing change initiatives or design change strategies in the university. In conclusion, this study might be adding to the understanding of how university leaders and administrators perceive their readiness and ability to lead change initiatives, specifically for leadership within faculties' deans and the departments. The most important is the University of Khartoum ready and can receive and implement change.