INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON THE INTEGRATION OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AT WAJIR COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA

Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) have become indispensable tools for improving healthcare delivery, strengthening decision-making, and enhancing patient outcomes. However, their successful integration requires more than technical infrastructure; it depends significantly on leadership approaches that influence organizational culture, staff engagement, and sustainability. This study examined the influence of leadership style on the integration of HMIS at Wajir County Referral Hospital, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both statistical trends and contextual insights. A sample of 191 respondents was selected from a target population of 367 hospital staff using stratified sampling. Data were collected using structured and unstructured questionnaires, while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha (threshold 0.7). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative responses supported interpretation of findings. The study achieved a 77.5% response rate (148 respondents). Results revealed a strong positive relationship between leadership style and HMIS integration effectiveness (R = .782, R² = .611, β = .654, p < .001). Findings indicated that communication techniques (89.2% agreement), promotion mechanisms (83.8%), and leadership style types (93.2%) significantly influenced HMIS adoption and utilization. Transformational leadership demonstrated superior outcomes compared to transactional and laissez-faire styles. The results underscore leadership’s critical role in ensuring effective integration, with leaders shaping organizational readiness, resource allocation, and staff commitment. The study concludes that leadership style is a key determinant of HMIS integration and recommends strengthening leadership development programs, enhancing communication strategies, and fostering organizational cultures that promote collaboration and innovation. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and healthcare administrators seeking to optimize health technology investments. Keywords: Leadership Style, Health Management Information Systems, HMIS Integration, Healthcare Technology, Organizational Leadership