Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

First Advisor

Heather Akin

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Committee Members

Georgina Bingham, Mary Emery, Nathan Conner

Department

Leadership Studies

Date of this Version

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Major: Leadership Studies

Under the supervision of Professor

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, the author. Used by permission

Abstract

Ethiopia is one of the largest countries in Africa, with a fast-growing economy, rich history, diverse agroecology, more than 70 languages, and a population exceeding 130 million. However, the country continues to face serious internal conflict, high malnutrition, and economic hardship, while the study of leadership effectiveness remains limited and lacks consistent longitudinal research. To help fill this gap, this study examined how public perceptions of leadership effectiveness and development outcomes changed in Ethiopia between 2013 and 2023, using Afrobarometer survey data. The analysis explored how citizens’ views about governance, wellbeing, and access to services evolved during a decade of political transition, social change, and economic uncertainty.

The results show both progress and decline. There were notable improvements in education, household ownership of assets, and digital access, but perceptions of government performance in managing the economy, infrastructure, and corruption control have worsened. In addition, major inequalities remain between urban and rural areas and across regions. Regression results show that urban residence, access to services, and perceptions of corruption strongly influence how people judge leadership. Internet use was negatively related to positive views, suggesting that greater exposure to information increases awareness of governance weaknesses. Perceptions were also affected by social identity and fairness, reflecting the influence of Ethiopia’s ethnic federal system. Overall, the study concludes that Ethiopia achieved development progress without corresponding improvement in public trust or satisfaction with leadership. The widening gap between citizen expectations and leadership performance shows that corruption, insecurity, and lack of accountability continue to undermine governance. The study recommends leadership development based on ethics, servant and transformational principles, expansion of digital literacy and civic engagement, and stronger participatory mechanisms such as citizen feedback and social audits. Further longitudinal and evidence-based research is needed to strengthen accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness in Ethiopia’s leadership system. Ways to immediately settle the ongoing conflict was also recommended since its short and long-term costs are irreversible.

Advisor: Heather Akin

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