THE IMPACT OF CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS ON ACHIEVING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF UNIVERSITIES: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY AT MIDDLE EUPHRATES TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY OF KARBALA

Abstract

The research seeks to shed light on the vital role played by conscious leadership behaviors with its six dimensions (physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social, and subjective) in promoting financial sustainability within academic institutions, and by applying it to Middle Euphrates Technical University and University of Karbala The research problem was the increasing financial challenges and economic crises facing universities, which necessitated the need to abandon traditional leadership styles and pursue a more conscious and adaptive leadership. The analytical method was applied and the questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data, and it was distributed to the heads and holders of administrativepositions in the research sample, and the responses of the sample were analyzed using the statistical software (SPSS V.25). The research reached a set of results, most notably the existence of a positive correlation and impact with statistical significance between practicing conscious leadership and achieving financial sustainability, as it was found that the most conscious leaders are the most able to innovate non-traditional solutions to diversify sources of income and rationalize expenditures. The research concluded with recommendations that emphasize the need for university leaders to adopt the perspective of comprehensive awareness as a strategic option to face the financial deficit and ensure the continuity of the educational institution in performing its mission.