Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand how the private higher education sector in Oman is adapting to global trends and industrial partnerships to prepare students for the workforce. Specifically, it aims to explore the relationship between employee involvement in participation, directorial decision-making, and employee innovation in this context, and how these factors contribute to differentiating institutions in a competitive environment.
Method: This study employs quantitative analysis to investigate the relationships between employee involvement, directed decision-making, and innovation within Oman's private higher education sector. Through the use of surveys and statistical methods, the study explores how directorial decision-making moderates the link between employee involvement and creativity.
Results and Conclusion: The findings suggest that directorial decision-making plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between employee involvement and creativity. All proposed hypotheses were supported, indicating a positive correlation between employee participation in decision-making processes and innovation. These results underscore the importance of directorial strategies that encourage employee involvement as a catalyst for creativity within the sector.
Originality/Value: This study contributes uniquely to the body of knowledge on employee creativity in the private higher education industry by highlighting the critical role of leadership decision-making styles in fostering an innovative work environment. It provides empirical evidence supporting the need for policy reforms that encourage participative decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the sector's competitiveness and its ability to meet the demands of the global workforce. Through its insights, the study offers a foundation for further research and policy development aimed at nurturing innovation in higher education.