Digital Leadership Practices for Enhancing Staff Well-being and Organizational Growth in Delta State Private Universities

Abstract This study examined digital leadership practices for enhancing staff well-being and organizational growth in private universities in Delta State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, and three null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey with ex-post facto design was adopted. The population comprised 1000 staff of private universities in Delta State. Using cluster sampling, 250 staff were selected from Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa; Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo; Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor; Novena University, Ogume-Amai; Western Delta University, Oghara; Eagle Heights University, Omadino-Warri; and Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede/Sports University, Ugboko. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire titled “Digital Leadership Practices for Enhancing Staff Well-being and Organizational Growth Questionnaire (DLPESWOGQ)”. The instrument was pilot-tested and established reliable with a test-retest coefficient of 0.84. A four-point Likert scale of Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree was used. The researchers personally administered 250 copies of the questionnaire and retrieved them. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, mean, standard deviation, and t-test. A benchmark mean of 2.50 was set for decision on research questions. Findings revealed that effective digital leadership practices significantly enhance staff well-being and organizational growth by fostering supportive digital environments. A significant number of staff remain uncomfortable with digital tools and competencies, preferring traditional methods that rely on physical presence and direct supervision to accomplish tasks as the digital culture is not human-centred. The study concluded that digital leaders who prioritize employee well-being and leverage technology for innovation and productivity drive sustainable organizational growth. It was recommended that private university management invest in digital leadership training to improve staff welfare and institutional performance. Keywords Digital LeadershipPracticesStaff Well-beingOrganizational GrowthPrivate universitiesDelta StateNigeria