| This study examines the perceived leadership effectiveness and the organizational effectiveness of the 41 United Negro College Fund (UNCF) presidents to determine whether or not there are relationships and significant differences between the perceptions of the presidents and their 172 cabinet officers.;A mail survey was developed and used for this study to determine the leadership effectiveness and organizational effectiveness perceptions held by the respondents. Seventeen UNCF presidents and 98 cabinet officers completed the survey.;Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T-test were used to determine significant differences in the self-reported perceptions of the UNCF presidents relative to academic disciplines, years served as college president and tenure as president at other institutions.;The data analysis revealed no significant differences in the perceived organizational effectiveness of the UNCF presidents. However, a significant difference was found pertaining to the UNCF presidents' leadership effectiveness in relation to academic discipline. The findings revealed that those presidents with earned degrees in education contributed more to leadership effectiveness. Also, the study revealed a significant difference between the self-reported leadership effectiveness of UNCF presidents and the leadership effectiveness perceived of the presidents by their cabinet officers. The data suggests that the UNCF presidents perceive themselves as more effective on the leadership dimensions than do their cabinet officers.;Research focusing on presidential leadership and organizational effectiveness has been limited. Suggestions for future studies would include an examination of the motivations that determine leadership and organizational processes at UNCF institutions and a more detailed focus on specific variables of effectiveness in higher education. It is also recommended that additional constituencies, such as trustees, faculty, students, and alumni associated with these institutions, be included in any future effectiveness studies. |
