THE ROLE OF AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP PRACTICES IN THE EFFICIENCY OF HUMAN RESOURCE ENGINEERING: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF EMPLOYEES IN THE DHI QAR ELECTRICITY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the role of authentic leadership, in its various dimensions, in enhancing the efficiency of human resource engineering practices at the Dhi Qar Electricity Distribution Directorate, a vital government institution in Iraq. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed based on reliable measures from previous literature. The study sample consisted of 227 employees from various job levels within the directorate. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26 software, employing Pearson correlation tests and multiple regression analysis to test the study hypotheses. Results: The results showed that the level of authentic leadership practice was moderate (3.64 out of 5), while the level of human resource engineering efficiency was high (3.71 out of 5). The results also revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between authentic leadership and human resource engineering efficiency (r = 0.476, p < 0.01), and a significant effect of authentic leadership on human resource engineering efficiency (R² = 0.227, F = 66.02, p < 0.001). The dimensions of balanced processing (β = 0.251, p < 0.05) and internal ethical perspective (β = 0.228, p < 0.05) showed the most significant impact, while self-awareness and transparency in relationships did not show a direct significant effect. Authenticity/Value: This study offers a rare theoretical and applied contribution in the Iraqi context, addressing the relationship between authentic leadership and human resource engineering in the public energy sector. It also presents an analytical model that can be generalized to other government institutions and offers practical recommendations for decision-makers on how develop leadership and management practices to improve human resource efficiency and the quality of services provided.