Transformational Leadership in Academic and Research Institutions: A Multidimensional Framework

Leadership plays a fundamental role in fostering innovation, resilience, and long-term institutional success in academic and research environments. However, leadership is often examined from a narrow perspective, with a predominant focus on theoretical models rather than insights derived from real-world practice. This study addresses this gap by presenting a multidimensional leadership framework that integrates multiple dimensions of leadership into a holistic approach. The framework is structured around matrix representations, explicitly mapping the relationships between key leadership dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of their interdependencies. To demonstrate the practical application of this framework, we incorporate a real-life case study based on a decade of leadership at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). By synthesizing theoretical leadership models with empirical insights, this study provides actionable strategies for leaders in academia, research institutions, and policy-making bodies. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on effective leadership in knowledge-intensive organizations, offering a structured methodology for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable impact.