Examining the Impact of Leadership Gaps on Employee Experience: A Top Management Perspective in Middle Eastern Companies

Leadership is a critical driver of employee experience, influencing engagement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. In the Middle Eastern corporate context, leadership gaps have emerged as a significant concern due to hierarchical structures, cultural expectations, and rapid globalization. This study investigates how leadership deficiencies, including lack of vision, ineffective communication, and inadequate decision-making, affect employee experience from a top management perspective. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining survey data from employees in multinational and local companies with interviews from top executives. Findings revealed that leadership gaps contributed to lower morale, reduced trust, and weakened employee engagement. Moreover, cultural dynamics amplified the effects of leadership shortcomings, particularly in organizations with rigid hierarchies and limited feedback mechanisms. Conversely, companies with proactive leadership development programs demonstrated resilience, as employees reported higher satisfaction and stronger organizational loyalty. The study concludes that leadership gaps not only undermine employee experience but also threaten long-term organizational performance in the Middle East. Recommendations emphasize the need for leadership training, mentorship structures, and inclusive management practices to foster healthier work environments.