Meta-analysis of Leadership Competencies and Performance in Military-affiliated Institutions for Strategic Management Development

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between leadership competencies and organizational performance among educational personnel at Wallace Air Station, aiming to provide evidence-based insights for strategic management development. Organizational performance in educational institutions is shaped by leadership capacity, particularly competencies such as instructional guidance, decision-making, strategic planning, technological proficiency, and interpersonal influence. These competencies drive institutional effectiveness, teacher performance, and operational coherence. Using a quantitative meta-analytic design, the study synthesized findings from empirical research published between 2000 and 2025 across primary, secondary, tertiary, and military-affiliated institutions. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, 21 empirical studies with extractable effect-size data were included. Each study was coded for sample characteristics, leadership type, educational level, and performance measures. Statistical values were standardized using Fisher’s z-scores, and a random-effects model was employed to compute the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q-statistic, I², and τ², while moderator analyses examined variations by leadership type and educational level. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger’s regression test, and trim-and-fill procedures. Findings revealed a moderate-to-strong positive relationship between leadership competencies and organizational performance (pooled r = 0.486, p < .001). Instructional and technological leadership exhibited the strongest effects, while military-affiliated institutions demonstrated amplified influence. These findings underscore the critical role of structured, competency-based leadership in enhancing educational effectiveness. The study recommends implementing comprehensive leadership development programs, integrating competencies into performance evaluations, and strengthening digital readiness to ensure sustained organizational improvement and strategic management excellence at Wallace Air Station.