Leadership within the Department of Agrarian Reform: A Case Study

Abstract

This case study examines the leadership dynamics within the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), a key government agency in the Philippines tasked with implementing agrarian reform to promote social justice and rural development. The research aims to identify prevailing leadership styles, assess their impact on program implementation and organizational performance, explore leadership challenges, and propose strategies for enhancing leadership effectiveness. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through surveys, interviews, and secondary sources from selected regional and provincial offices. Findings reveal that transformational leadership is the most dominant style, contributing positively to employee morale, stakeholder engagement, and program success. However, leaders face significant challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, resistance to change, and limited resources. The study recommends institutionalizing leadership development programs, streamlining processes, increasing support for leadership initiatives, and fostering participatory decision-making. These measures are essential for strengthening leadership capacity within DAR and ensuring the effective delivery of agrarian reform programs.