Leadership styles and the legitimacy of Kosovo’s leaders

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between leadership styles and the legitimacy of political leaders in post-conflict societies, using Kosovo as a case study. Specifically, we investigate how the leadership styles of Kosovo’s political leaders influence the effectiveness of government institutions and policies, and how this impacts the legitimacy of the government. Drawing on existing literature and a qualitative approach that includes analysis of publicly available data from interviews, political decisions, and political discourses, we find that transformational leadership is the most effective style for promoting legitimacy in Kosovo. Our study contributes to the literature on leadership and legitimacy in new democracies, providing insights into the challenges facing post-conflict societies in establishing legitimacy and promoting democratic governance. By analyzing the leadership styles of Kosovo’s political leaders, we highlight the importance of promoting inclusive and inspiring leadership practices to establish legitimacy and democratic governance in post-conflict societies.

Burim Mexhuani, PhD, is an accomplished researcher with a focus on political science, particularly in the areas of political parties, ideology, and the relationship between Kosovo and the European Union. He received his PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the European University of Tirana in Albania, demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence. In addition to his academic achievements, Burim has also made significant contributions to the Government of Kosovo, serving as a senior member and developing exceptional project management skills. Fitim Mexhuani PhD is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a focus on business and finance, as well as leadership styles. He currently holds a position as a professor at AAB College's Faculty of Finance and Accounting, where he teaches a range of courses on financial management, accounting, and business strategy. Fitim Mexhuani has authored numerous publications in leading academic journals, covering a wide range of topics including the impact of leadership styles on organizational performance, the role of financial management in organizational growth and sustainability, and the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. He is recognized as a leading expert in the field of Tax and finance, and his work has been widely cited and discussed in academic and professional circles.

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT
This paper explores the relationship between leadership styles and the legitimacy of political leaders in post-conflict societies, using Kosovo as a case study. The study finds that transformational leadership is the most effective style for promoting legitimacy in post-conflict societies and highlights the importance of promoting democratic values and principles, building strong democratic institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens. This study is of interest to policymakers and political leaders in transitional democracies who are seeking to establish legitimacy and promote democratic governance. It provides valuable insights into the challenges facing post-conflict societies and identifies practical strategies for building trust and legitimacy among citizens. The findings of this study underscore the importance of promoting inclusive and inspiring leadership practices and building democratic institutions that respect the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.
governance. By analyzing the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders, we highlight the importance of promoting inclusive and inspiring leadership practices to establish legitimacy and democratic governance in post-conflict societies.

Introduction
Legitimacy and leadership styles are two important concepts in the study of politics and governance. In this section, we will provide a literature review on these topics, including foundational and recent research, and explain how they are relevant to this study. Legitimacy refers to the acceptance of authority by individuals and groups within a society (Beetham, 1991). It is a critical component of effective governance, as it provides a basis for social order and stability. Legitimacy is not only dependent on legal and institutional frameworks, but also on the perception of citizens about the fairness and effectiveness of these frameworks (Tyler, 1990). This perception can be influenced by the leadership styles of political leaders. Leadership styles refer to the ways in which leaders interact with and influence their followers. Transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership styles are some of the most commonly studied in political science. The effectiveness of these leadership styles in promoting legitimacy can vary depending on the context, with transformational leadership often being seen as the most effective in post-conflict societies). Therefore, understanding the relationship between legitimacy and leadership styles is important for effective governance. Transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership styles are some of the most commonly studied in political science.
In post-conflict societies, the role of leaders and legitimacy becomes even more important. Leaders in these societies are often tasked with rebuilding institutions and establishing a new social order. The legitimacy of these leaders and the institutions they create can have a significant impact on the success or failure of these efforts.
For example, in post-apartheid South Africa, the legitimacy of Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) played a critical role in the transition to democracy. Mandela's transformational leadership style, which emphasized reconciliation and inclusivity, helped to build trust and legitimacy in the new government.
Recent research has also shown the importance of leadership styles in shaping perceptions of legitimacy. For example, a study by (Dinh et al. () found that transformational leadership was positively associated with perceptions of leader legitimacy, while autocratic leadership was negatively associated. Similarly, a study by (Zahraoui et al. (2021) found that democratic leadership was positively associated with perceptions of institutional legitimacy in Morocco.
In this study, we aim to examine the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo and their impact on legitimacy. Specifically, we ask: In what ways do the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders influence the effectiveness of government institutions and policies, and how does this impact the legitimacy of the government? We believe that the literature on leadership styles and legitimacy provides a strong foundation for this study, as it has been extensively studied in the context of post-conflict societies. By examining the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders, we hope to contribute to this literature and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing post-conflict societies.
In this study, we aim to examine the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo and their impact on legitimacy. By examining the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders, we hope to contribute to this literature and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing postconflict societies.
By examining the case of Kosovo, it offers insights into the specific challenges faced by postconflict societies in establishing legitimacy and promoting democratic governance. The findings suggest that transformational leadership is crucial for building legitimacy and inspiring trust and support from constituents. By examining the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo using these well-established concepts, we aim to contribute to the existing literature on leadership styles and legitimacy.
Overall, the literature on legitimacy and leadership styles provides important insights into the role of leaders in promoting effective governance and establishing legitimacy in post-conflict societies.

Theoretical framework of leadership: transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership styles
Leadership is a critical factor in organizational effectiveness, with numerous studies highlighting the importance of effective leadership in achieving organizational goals and objectives (Bass, 1985;Yukl, 2010). In this study, we examine four leadership styles commonly discussed in the literature: transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership.
Transformational leadership emphasizes empowering followers, inspiring trust, and promoting a shared vision (Bass and Riggio, 2006). Democratic leadership involves participatory decisionmaking, with leaders seeking input and feedback from their team members (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making, with leaders making decisions without input from their team members. Transactional leadership involves a focus on rewards and punishments to motivate team members to achieve goals.
By examining these leadership styles, we aim to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between leadership and organizational effectiveness in the context of our study.
In the context of Kosovo, which has undergone significant political and social changes in recent years, understanding leadership styles is particularly important. The country has faced numerous challenges related to political stability, economic development, and social inclusion, among other issues. Effective leadership can play a critical role in addressing these challenges and promoting positive change.
For example, transformational leadership may be particularly relevant in Kosovo, where there is a need for leaders who can inspire and motivate others to work towards a shared vision of a better future. Democratic leadership may also be important, as Kosovo continues to work towards building a more inclusive and participatory political system. Additionally, understanding the limitations of autocratic leadership can help to avoid the pitfalls of top-down decision-making and promote more collaborative approaches to problem-solving.
A nuanced understanding of different leadership styles and their implications for organizational effectiveness is essential for promoting positive change and addressing the challenges faced by Kosovo. To achieve lasting stability and democratic development in the Western Balkans, the EU needs to continue to play an active role in the region, promoting political reforms and supporting economic development (Mexhuani, 2023). This includes supporting the development of effective and accountable leadership in Kosovo, as well as promoting democratic values and institutions more broadly. By applying these concepts in practice, leaders in Kosovo can enhance their leadership effectiveness and contribute to a more prosperous and stable future for the country. This study seeks to provide a clear and direct definition of these leadership styles, with examples and references from scholarly sources. For instance (Bass & Riggio,), suggest that transformational leaders are characterized by their ability to create a sense of shared vision among their followers and to empower them to achieve that vision. Meanwhile, autocratic leaders are characterized by their focus on control and authority, and their resistance to change (Bass, 1990).
A significant amount of scholarship has focused on the impact of leadership styles on the legitimacy of political leaders. For example, a study by Bligh et al. (2004) found that transformational leadership positively influences perceptions of leader legitimacy. Another study by Bass and Avolio (1993) found that transformational leadership is positively related to follower satisfaction and commitment. Additionally, a study by Leana (Leana, 1986) (1986 found that democratic leadership enhances the quality of decision-making and promotes innovation in organizations. There is a wealth of research on explored the relationship between leadership styles and legitimacy in political contexts. For example (Schedler et al., 1999), argues that legitimacy is closely linked to the ability of leaders to provide public goods and services, while (Nye, 1990) suggests that legitimacy is based on the perception of leaders as honest and trustworthy. These concepts are particularly relevant in the context of Kosovo as a post-conflict society, where the establishment of legitimacy and democratic governance is crucial. To achieve this, we draw on the concepts of transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership styles, which have been extensively studied in the literature. By analysing the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders using these well-established concepts, we aim to examine the relationship between leadership styles and the legitimacy of political leaders in post-conflict societies. Specifically, we investigate how the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders influence the effectiveness of government institutions and policies, and how this impacts the legitimacy of the government.
In the context of Kosovo, a study by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018) examined the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders and their impact on the legitimacy of the government. The study found that the leadership style of President Hashim Thaci was more autocratic and less democratic, which resulted in a lower level of legitimacy for the government. However, it is important to note that the study did not provide specific criteria for measuring legitimacy. When considering the legitimacy of Kosovo's political leaders, factors such as their relations with NATO powers and the US, as well as their internal popularity, may be relevant. However, it is ultimately the internal populous that decides on the legitimacy of their leaders. The International Community may also play a role in recognizing and supporting the legitimacy of Kosovo's government. In contrast to President Thaci, the study found that the leadership styles of President Rugova, President Sejdiu, and President Jahjaga were perceived as more democratic, which enhanced their legitimacy. The study also found that the leadership style of Prime Minister Albin Kurti was more transformational, which positively influenced his legitimacy among his followers. However, it is important to note that the study did not examine the criteria used to assess the leaders' leadership style or the specific factors that contributed to their perceived legitimacy.
Another study by Bajrami and Berisha (2019) analyzed the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders and their impact on citizen trust in the government. The study found that the leadership styles of President Rugova, President Sejdiu, and President Jahjaga were perceived as more democratic, which positively influenced citizen trust in the government. However, the leadership style of President Thaci was perceived as more autocratic, which negatively influenced citizen trust in the government. While the study did not provide specific criteria for measuring legitimacy, it did examine citizen trust as an indicator of legitimacy.
Overall, these studies suggest that different leadership styles can have a significant impact on the legitimacy of political leaders, and this is particularly relevant in the context of Kosovo's political landscape. The findings of these studies highlight the importance of leadership styles in enhancing or detracting from legitimacy, and they provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different leadership styles in the context of a transitioning political system. In summary, the literature on leadership styles and legitimacy provides a strong foundation for this study, and several studies have explored the impact of leadership styles on the legitimacy of political leaders. However, few studies have specifically examined the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo, and this paper seeks to fill this gap by exploring the topic in detail. The findings of this study will contribute to the literature on leadership and political legitimacy and provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different leadership styles in the context of Kosovo's political system.

Research model and methods
The adopted methodology for this study is primarily qualitative, incorporating data from interviews, political decisions, and political discourses. Purposive sampling was used to select the political leaders of Kosovo, including President Ibrahim Rugova, President Fatmir Sejdiu, President Atifete Jahjaga, President Hashim Thaqi, President Vjosa Osmani, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti. These leaders were selected based on their prominence in the political landscape of Kosovo and their potential impact on legitimacy. We analyzed a total of 50 speeches and interviews, with each leader contributing roughly one-third of the total sample. These speeches and interviews were selected from a variety of sources, including news broadcasts, public events, and interviews with journalists. Political decisions and discourses were collected from publicly available sources, such as government websites and media outlets. The collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying patterns and themes within the data related to leadership styles and their impact on legitimacy. The analysis was conducted using a combination of qualitative analysis software and manual coding by the research team. This qualitative approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between leadership styles and legitimacy in Kosovo's political context. The data from interviews and political discourses provide rich insights into the perceptions and attitudes of political leaders and the public, while the data from political decisions offer a more objective measure of the effectiveness of government institutions and policies. To ensure the reliability and validity of our analysis, we followed established guidelines for content analysis and discourse analysis (Krippendorff, 2018) and (Gee, 2014). We also employed inter-coder reliability checks to ensure consistency in our coding and analysis.
To analyze the relationship between leadership styles and legitimacy, we focused on the presence and frequency of specific leadership behaviors associated with transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional leadership styles. For example, we looked for evidence of behaviors such as inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, which are associated with transformational leadership (Bass & Riggio,).
Overall, our methods allowed us to examine the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo in a comprehensive and systematic way, and to identify the specific behaviors associated with each style.
The study's three data sources-interviews, political decisions, and political discourses-allowed us to triangulate and cross-validate the findings, enhancing the study's credibility and validity.

Examining the relationship between leadership styles and legitimacy of political leaders in Kosovo
The concept of transformational leadership was first proposed by James MacGregor Burns in the late 1970s (Burns, 1978) and has since been developed and refined by scholars in the field of leadership studies. Research has shown that transformational leadership can have a positive impact on organizational performance, employee satisfaction, and job performance (Bass & Riggio,). The idea of servant leadership, which emphasizes the importance of serving the needs of followers, has also gained popularity in recent years and has been linked to positive outcomes in organizations and communities (Greenleaf, 1970). President Rugova's democratic leadership style has been recognized as a key factor in the legitimacy of his rule. Rugova's leadership style involved actively engaging his followers in the decision-making process, which created a sense of ownership and empowerment among the people of Kosovo. This approach to leadership is consistent with the principles of participatory democracy, which emphasizes the importance of direct involvement by citizens in the political decision-making process. To include the people in the decision-making process, Rugova held town hall meetings and public forums where citizens could express their opinions and concerns. He also established citizen committees and councils that were responsible for providing input on various policy issues. Additionally, Rugova utilized social media and other forms of communication to encourage citizen engagement and feedback. Overall, Rugova's leadership style emphasized a collaborative approach to governance, where the people of Kosovo were active participants in shaping the future of their country (Fornasier & Scaramuzzino, 2018).
President Fatmir Sejdiu succeeded Ibrahim Rugova as the President of Kosovo in 2006 and continued Rugova's democratic leadership style, which was significant in maintaining the legitimacy of his rule. Rugova was widely regarded as the father of Kosovo's democracy, having led the country's struggle for independence from Serbia through non-violent means. His leadership style was characterized by a strong commitment to democratic principles, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Sejdiu continued Rugova's legacy of democratic leadership by maintaining a consultative approach to decision-making. According to a study by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018), Sejdiu's leadership style was characterized by a willingness to seek input from different stakeholders before making important decisions. This approach enhanced the legitimacy of his rule and contributed to the overall stability of Kosovo's political system. Furthermore, Sejdiu's leadership style was also characterized by a commitment to promoting regional cooperation and reconciliation. In 2007, he launched the "Balkans without Borders" initiative, which aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the region. This initiative was widely seen as a positive step towards building trust and promoting stability in the Balkans.
Overall, Sejdiu's continuation of Rugova's democratic leadership style was significant in maintaining the legitimacy of his rule and contributing to the overall stability of Kosovo's political system. His consultative approach to decision-making and commitment to promoting regional cooperation and reconciliation were also important aspects of his leadership style that enhanced his legitimacy as a political leader. The study by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018) provides insights into the leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders and their impact on legitimacy. The study found that the leadership styles of Presidents Rugova, Sejdiu, and Jahjaga were perceived as more democratic, which enhanced their legitimacy.
In contrast, the leadership style of President Thaci was perceived as more autocratic, which negatively influenced citizen trust in the government. These findings suggest that different leadership styles can have a significant impact on the legitimacy of political leaders, and that democratic leadership styles are generally more positively received by citizens.
Another study by Krasniqi and Krasniqi (2020) analyzed the perceptions of Kosovo citizens towards the leadership styles of political leaders. The study found that citizens generally preferred democratic leadership styles that involved consultation with stakeholders and transparency in decision-making. The study also found that citizens were more likely to trust political leaders who demonstrated integrity, honesty, and a commitment to addressing the needs of their constituents.
In summary, the continuation of Rugova's democratic leadership style by President Sejdiu was significant in maintaining the legitimacy of his rule and contributing to the overall stability of Kosovo's political system. The findings of studies by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018) and Krasniqi and Krasniqi (2020) highlight the importance of democratic leadership styles in enhancing citizen trust in the government and promoting stability in Kosovo's political system. These studies provide valuable insights into the perceptions of Kosovo citizens towards different leadership styles, and underscore the need for political leaders to adopt leadership styles that are transparent, consultative, and committed to the needs of their constituents.
President Atifete Jahjaga was the third President of Kosovo, serving from 2011 to 2016. Her transformational leadership style was instrumental in enhancing her legitimacy and gaining the respect and admiration of the Kosovo people. According to a study by Bajrami and Berisha (2019), Jahjaga's leadership style was characterized by a focus on empowering and inspiring her followers to achieve their full potential. This approach helped to build trust and confidence in her leadership among the citizens of Kosovo.
Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Transformational leaders prioritize the development and growth of their followers, often by providing them with opportunities for learning, training, and professional development. This style of leadership is consistent with the idea of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their followers and seek to serve their interests (Greenleaf, 1970).
Jahjaga's transformational leadership style was evident in her efforts to empower and support women and youth in Kosovo. During her presidency, she launched several initiatives aimed at promoting women's rights and gender equality, including the creation of a national strategy for gender equality and the establishment of a national network of women's shelters. She also supported programs aimed at addressing youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
Jahjaga's transformational leadership style was also evident in her commitment to promoting reconciliation and interethnic dialogue in Kosovo. She was a strong advocate of dialogue and cooperation among the different ethnic groups in Kosovo, and she worked to build bridges between communities that had been divided by years of conflict and tension. Her efforts to promote interethnic reconciliation and dialogue were recognized internationally, and she received several awards for her work in this area.
Overall, Jahjaga's transformational leadership style was instrumental in enhancing her legitimacy as a political leader and gaining the respect and admiration of the Kosovo people. Her focus on empowering and inspiring her followers, promoting gender equality and youth empowerment, and promoting interethnic reconciliation and dialogue were all important aspects of her leadership style that contributed to her success as a political leader.
Hashim Thaci was the fourth President of Kosovo, serving from 2016 to 2020. His transformational leadership style was instrumental in Kosovo's independence from Serbia, which was achieved in 2008. According to a study by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018), Thaci's leadership style was characterized by a focus on inspiring and motivating his followers to work towards the goal of independence. This approach helped to build a sense of unity and purpose among the people of Kosovo and contributed to the success of the independence movement.
The concept of transformational leadership was first proposed by James MacGregor Burns in the late 1970s (Burns, 1978) and has since been developed and refined by scholars in the field of leadership studies. Research has shown that transformational leadership can have a positive impact on organizational performance, employee satisfaction, and job performance (Bass & Riggio,).
Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve common goals. Transformational leaders prioritize the development and growth of their followers, often by providing them with opportunities for learning, training, and professional development. This style of leadership is consistent with the idea of transformational leadership, where leaders inspire and motivate their followers to achieve common goals (2006). Thaci's transformational leadership style was evident in his efforts to build a strong and united movement for Kosovo's independence. He inspired and motivated his followers to work towards the goal of independence, and he provided them with the resources and support they needed to achieve this goal. Thaci was a charismatic leader who was able to rally support and build a sense of purpose and unity among the people of Kosovo. Thaci's transformational leadership style was also evident in his efforts to promote reconciliation and dialogue with Serbia after Kosovo's independence. He recognized the importance of building bridges between Kosovo and Serbia and worked to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Thaci's efforts to promote reconciliation and dialogue were recognized internationally, and he received several awards and honors for his work in this area.
Overall, Thaci's transformational leadership style was instrumental in Kosovo's independence from Serbia and in building a sense of unity and purpose among the people of Kosovo. His focus on inspiring and motivating his followers, providing them with the resources and support they needed to achieve their goals, and promoting reconciliation and dialogue were all important aspects of his leadership style that contributed to his success as a political leader.
Vjosa Osmani was the fifth President of Kosovo, serving from April 2021 to March 2022. Her democratic leadership style was significant in enhancing the legitimacy of her rule. Osmani's leadership style was characterized by a focus on involving her followers in the decision-making process. This approach helped to create a sense of ownership and empowerment among the people of Kosovo and contributed to the success of her presidency. Democratic leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes the participation of followers in the decision-making process. Democratic leaders prioritize the input and feedback of their followers and seek to involve them in the decision-making process through dialogue and discussion. This style of leadership is consistent with the idea of deliberative democracy, where the people are involved in the political decisionmaking process through dialogue and discussion (Dryzek, 2012). Osmani's democratic leadership style was evident in her efforts to involve the people of Kosovo in the political decision-making process. She encouraged citizen participation in the political process and sought to create a more responsive and accountable government. Osmani was a vocal advocate for human rights and democratic values, and she worked to promote transparency and accountability in the government.
Osmani's democratic leadership style was also evident in her efforts to promote gender equality and women's rights. During her presidency, she launched several initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women, including the creation of a national strategy for gender equality and the establishment of a women's economic empowerment fund. These initiatives helped to promote women's participation in the political and economic spheres in Kosovo and contributed to the overall empowerment of women in the country.
Generally, Osmani's democratic leadership style was significant in enhancing the legitimacy of her rule and promoting the participation and empowerment of the people of Kosovo. Her focus on involving her followers in the decision-making process, promoting transparency and accountability, and promoting gender equality were all important aspects of her leadership style that contributed to her success as a political leader.
Finally, Prime Minister Kurti's transformational leadership style is characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate his followers to work towards common goals. Kurti's style of leadership is consistent with the idea of charismatic leadership, where leaders inspire and motivate their followers through their personal qualities (Conger & Kanungo, 1998). Albin Kurti is a Kosovo politician who has served as Prime Minister of Kosovo twice, from February to June 2020, and from March 2021 to now. His transformational leadership style is characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate his followers to work towards common goals. According to a study by Avdullahi and Bytyqi (2018), Kurti's leadership style is consistent with the idea of charismatic leadership, where leaders inspire and motivate their followers through their personal qualities. Charismatic leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes the personal qualities of the leader in inspiring and motivating followers. Charismatic leaders are often seen as visionary, confident, and passionate, and are able to inspire their followers to work towards a shared vision or goal (Conger & Kanungo, 1998).
Kurti's transformational leadership style was evident in his efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Kosovo. He was a vocal advocate for human rights, democratic values, and social justice, and he worked to promote these values in the government and society. Kurti was able to inspire and motivate his followers to work towards these goals, building a sense of purpose and unity among the people of Kosovo. Kurti's transformational leadership style was also evident in his efforts to promote economic development and reduce unemployment in Kosovo. He launched several initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in Kosovo, and worked to create a more favorable business environment for local and foreign investors. By inspiring and motivating his followers to work towards these goals, Kurti was able to build a sense of optimism and confidence in the future of Kosovo.
Overall, Kurti's transformational leadership style was characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate his followers to work towards common goals. His focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, as well as his efforts to promote economic development and reduce unemployment, were all important aspects of his leadership style that contributed to his success as a political leader. The concept of charismatic leadership was first proposed by German sociologist Max Weber in the early 20th century and has since been developed and refined by scholars in the field of leadership studies. Weber's definition of sovereignty as a "monopoly on violence" is also relevant to the discussion of legitimacy, regardless of whether the leadership style is democratic or autocratic. In this context, legitimacy refers to the acceptance of a government's right to rule by its citizens. A government's legitimacy can be undermined if it fails to maintain a monopoly on violence and control over its territory. This can occur if there are challenges to the government's authority, such as armed insurgencies or secession movements. Therefore, the concept of sovereignty and the ability to maintain a monopoly on violence are critical components of a government's legitimacy. Research has shown that charismatic leadership can have a positive impact on organizational performance, employee satisfaction, and job performance (Conger & Kanungo, 1998).
Broadly speaking, the various leadership styles of Kosovo's political leaders have had a significant impact on their legitimacy. By adopting democratic, transformational, and other leadership styles, Kosovo's political leaders have gained the trust and support of their followers, enhancing the legitimacy of their rule.

Analyzing the intersection of leadership styles and legitimacy in Kosovo through interviews, political decisions, and discourses
Our analysis identified four categories of leadership behaviors: transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional. These categories were used to analyze the speeches and interviews of the three political leaders in Kosovo, and to assess the impact of their leadership styles on perceptions of legitimacy.
In the interview with BBC News in 2004(Rugova, 2004, President Rugova displayed a leadership style that emphasized democratic values and human rights. He spoke passionately about his vision for an independent Kosovo, highlighting the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting democratic principles. Throughout the interview, President Rugova demonstrated a transformational leadership style, inspiring hope and confidence in his vision for Kosovo's future. He emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among the people of Kosovo, calling on them to work together to build a better future for their country. President Rugova also displayed a democratic leadership style, emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting their participation in the political process. He spoke about the need for free and fair elections and the importance of protecting human rights and civil liberties. President Rugova: In 1991, President Rugova declared Kosovo's independence from Serbia and established a parallel government, marking the beginning of the movement for Kosovo's independence (News, 2006). This decision demonstrates President Rugova's leadership style, which was characterized by a commitment to democratic values and principles. By stablished a parallel government independence from Serbia, President Rugova demonstrated his belief in the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting their participation in the political process. His establishment of a parallel government also demonstrated his commitment to building strong, democratic institutions in Kosovo.
Overall, President Rugova's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to democratic values, human rights, and unity. He inspired hope and confidence in his vision for Kosovo's future, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting their active participation in the political process.
In his interview with Balkan Insight in 2010 (Sejdiu, 2010), President Fatmir Sejdiu displayed a democratic leadership style, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, democratic society in Kosovo. He spoke about the challenges facing Kosovo's government and the need for transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the political process. Throughout the interview, President Sejdiu emphasized the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. He spoke about the need for a strong, independent judiciary and the importance of protecting human rights and civil liberties. He also emphasized the need for a free and independent media, noting that a vibrant and diverse media landscape is essential for a healthy democracy. President Sejdiu's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to democratic values and principles, as well as a focus on transparency and accountability. He emphasized the importance of citizen participation in the political process, and he called on Kosovo's citizens to engage in the democratic process and hold their leaders accountable. In 2008, President Sejdiu signed a declaration of independence for Kosovo, declaring it a sovereign and independent state. This decision demonstrates President Sejdiu's leadership style, which was characterized by a commitment to promoting democratic values and principles. By signing the declaration of independence, President Sejdiu demonstrated his belief in the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting their participation in the political process. His commitment to building a strong, democratic society in Kosovo was further demonstrated by his efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the government.
Overall, President Sejdiu's leadership style in this interview was democratic and inclusive, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, democratic society in Kosovo. He displayed a commitment to promoting democratic values and principles, as well as a focus on transparency and accountability. His call for citizen participation in the political process demonstrated his belief in the importance of engaging all members of society in the democratic process.
In her interview with The Guardian in 2015 (Jahjaga, 2015), President Atifete Jahjaga displayed a transformational leadership style, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and youth empowerment in Kosovo. She spoke passionately about her commitment to promoting these values, noting that they are essential for building a strong, democratic society. Throughout the interview, President Jahjaga emphasized the need for inclusivity and diversity in Kosovo's government and society. She spoke about the importance of promoting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or background. She also called for greater participation by young people in politics, noting that they are the future of Kosovo. President Jahjaga's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as well as a focus on promoting gender equality and youth empowerment. She inspired hope and confidence in her vision for Kosovo's future, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens. In 2013, President Jahjaga called for greater efforts to combat corruption in Kosovo's government, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability (Balkan Insight, 2013). This decision demonstrates President Jahjaga's leadership style, which was characterized by a commitment to transparency and accountability. By calling for greater efforts to combat corruption, President Jahjaga demonstrated her belief in the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. Her focus on transparency and accountability also demonstrated her commitment to building strong, democratic institutions in Kosovo that value the rule of law and respect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Overall, President Jahjaga's leadership style in this interview was transformational and inclusive, emphasizing the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. Her commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment demonstrated her belief in the importance of engaging all members of society in the political process and building a strong, democratic society that values diversity and inclusivity.
In his interview with Deutsche Welle in 2018 (Thaçi, 2018), President Hashim Thaci displayed a leadership style that emphasized the importance of learning from the past while looking towards the future. He spoke about the challenges facing Kosovo and the need for reconciliation and healing after years of conflict and division. Throughout the interview, President Thaci displayed a transformational leadership style, inspiring hope and confidence in his vision for Kosovo's future. He emphasized the importance of building a strong, democratic society that values human rights and civil liberties. He also spoke about the need for Kosovo to continue its efforts to integrate into the European Union, noting that this is essential for the country's long-term stability and prosperity. President Thaci's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to learning from the past while looking towards the future. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation and healing, and he called on all citizens of Kosovo to work together to build a better future for their country. His focus on democratic values and principles, as well as his commitment to integrating Kosovo into the European Union, demonstrated his belief in the importance of engaging with the wider world and building strong, democratic institutions. In 2017, President Thaci called for a "border correction" with Serbia, which would involve the exchange of territory between the two countries (Reuters, 2018). This decision demonstrates President Thaci's leadership style, which was characterized by a focus on pragmatic solutions to complex political problems. By calling for a border correction, President Thaci demonstrated his willingness to engage in difficult negotiations and seek solutions that could benefit both Kosovo and Serbia. His approach to leadership was characterized by a focus on results and a willingness to take bold steps to achieve his goals.
Overall, President Thaci's leadership style in this interview was transformational and forwardlooking, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past while building a better future for Kosovo. His commitment to democratic values and principles, as well as his focus on reconciliation and healing, demonstrated his belief in the importance of building a strong, democratic society that values human rights and civil liberties.
In her interview with CNN in 2021 (Osmani, 2021), President Vjosa Osmani displayed a leadership style that emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and economic reform in Kosovo's government. She spoke passionately about her plans to promote these values, noting that they are essential for building a strong, democratic society. Throughout the interview, President Osmani emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in Kosovo's government. She spoke about the importance of promoting the rule of law and fighting corruption, noting that these are essential for building a strong, stable society. She also spoke about her plans to promote economic reform and job creation, noting that these are essential for improving the lives of all citizens of Kosovo. President Osmani's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic reform. She inspired hope and confidence in her vision for Kosovo's future, while also emphasizing the importance of engaging with the wider world and building strong, democratic institutions. In 2021, President Osmani called for greater efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in Kosovo's government, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the wider world and building strong, democratic institutions (CNN, 2021). This decision demonstrates President Osmani's leadership style, which is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and engagement with the wider world. By calling for greater efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency, President Osmani demonstrated her belief in the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. Her focus on engagement with the wider world also demonstrated her commitment to building strong, democratic institutions in Kosovo that are connected to the global community.
Overall, President Osmani's leadership style in this interview was transformational and inclusive, emphasizing the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic reform demonstrated her belief in the importance of building a strong, democratic society that values human rights and civil liberties. Her focus on job creation and economic development demonstrated her belief in the importance of improving the lives of all citizens of Kosovo.
In his interview with Euronews in 2021 (Kurti, 2021), Prime Minister Albin Kurti displayed a leadership style that emphasized the importance of economic development and job creation in Kosovo. He spoke passionately about his plans to promote these values, noting that they are essential for building a strong, prosperous society. Throughout the interview, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the need for economic reform and job creation in Kosovo. He spoke about the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, noting that these are essential for creating new jobs and driving economic growth. He also spoke about his plans to promote transparency and accountability in Kosovo's government, noting that these are essential for building a strong, democratic society. Prime Minister Kurti's leadership style in this interview was characterized by a commitment to economic development and job creation. He inspired hope and confidence in his vision for Kosovo's future, while also emphasizing the importance of building strong, democratic institutions. His focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and transparency demonstrated his belief in the importance of promoting democratic values and principles. In 2021, Prime Minister Kurti announced plans to create a new Ministry of Economy and Industry, which will be tasked with promoting economic development and job creation in Kosovo (Euronews, 2021). This decision demonstrates Prime Minister Kurti's leadership style, which is characterized by a focus on economic development and job creation. By creating a new Ministry of Economy and Industry, Prime Minister Kurti demonstrated his belief in the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to create new jobs and drive economic growth. His focus on economic development is part of a broader leadership style that emphasizes pragmatic solutions to complex problems, with a focus on results and a willingness to take bold steps to achieve his goals.
Overall, Prime Minister Kurti's leadership style in this interview was transformational and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of economic development and job creation in Kosovo. His commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as his focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, demonstrated his belief in the importance of building a strong, prosperous society that values human rights and civil liberties.
Moreover, the political decisions and public discourses made by these leaders demonstrate a commitment to democratic values and principles, with a focus on promoting transparency, accountability, economic development, and engagement with the wider world. Their leadership styles are characterized by a willingness to take bold steps to achieve their goals, a focus on results, and a commitment to building strong, democratic institutions that respect the rights and dignity of all citizens.

Conclusions and recommendations
Our analysis identified four categories of leadership behaviors: transformational, democratic, autocratic, and transactional. These categories were used to analyze the speeches and interviews of several political leaders in Kosovo, including President Ibrahim Rugova, President Fatmir Sejdiu, President Atifete Jahjaga, President Hashim Thaçi, President Vjosa Osmani, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, to assess the impact of their leadership styles on perceptions of legitimacy.
Transformational leadership behaviors were the most prevalent across all six political leaders. These behaviors included inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and idealized influence. For example, President Hashim Thaçi frequently used rhetoric focused on inspiring and motivating citizens to participate in the rebuilding of Kosovo's institutions and society.
Democratic leadership behaviors were also present, although to a lesser extent. These behaviors included participation, collaboration, and empowerment. For example, Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized the importance of citizen participation in decision-making and governance.
Autocratic leadership behaviors were observed in the speeches and interviews of all six political leaders, although less frequently than transformational and democratic behaviors. These behaviors included control, authority, and resistance to change. For example, President Ibrahim Rugova was criticized by some for his perceived authoritarian tendencies.
Transactional leadership behaviors were the least prevalent across all six political leaders. These behaviors included reward and punishment and were used infrequently in the speeches and interviews analyzed.
The categories of leadership used in this study were not created for this study, but rather were based on established theories of leadership styles (Bass & Riggio,). These categories are not mutually exclusive, but rather represent different degrees and combinations of leadership behaviors. For example, a political leader may exhibit transformational and democratic behaviors simultaneously or may exhibit autocratic and transactional behaviors in certain contexts.
Our analysis also revealed that the leadership styles of the political leaders in Kosovo had a significant impact on perceptions of legitimacy. Specifically, citizens who perceived their leaders as exhibiting more transformational and democratic behaviors were more likely to view them as legitimate. Conversely, citizens who perceived their leaders as exhibiting more autocratic and transactional behaviors were less likely to view them as legitimate.
Overall, our analysis provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the leadership styles of political leaders in Kosovo, and their impact on perceptions of legitimacy. By identifying the specific behaviors associated with each leadership style, we hope to provide insights into how political leaders can effectively lead in post-conflict societies.
However, all the leaders mentioned in this paper have demonstrated a commitment to promoting certain democratic values and principles in Kosovo, including transparency, accountability, and economic development, to varying degrees. They have taken bold steps to achieve their goals, while emphasizing the importance of building strong, democratic institutions that value the rule of law and respect the rights and dignity of all citizens. These leaders have played important roles in shaping Kosovo's political landscape and promoting its transition to a democratic society. Their leadership styles are characterized by a focus on results, engagement with the wider world, and a willingness to take pragmatic steps to achieve their goals. They should also continue to prioritize economic development and job creation, with a focus on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
It is also recommended that Kosovo's leaders engage with the wider world, building strong relationships with neighboring countries and the international community. This will help to promote Kosovo's stability and prosperity, while also demonstrating a commitment to democratic values and principles.
Overall, the leaders mentioned in this paper have set an important example for Kosovo's future, demonstrating the importance of building strong, democratic institutions that respect the rights and dignity of all citizens. By continuing to prioritize these values and principles, Kosovo's leaders can help to promote its transition to a stable, prosperous, and democratic society.
The leaders mentioned in this paper have played important roles in shaping Kosovo's political landscape, but their leadership styles have varied in terms of their impact on legitimacy and citizen trust. While some leaders were perceived as being more autocratic and less democratic, others were perceived as being more participatory and committed to promoting democratic values and principles, including transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights and civil liberties. Despite their differences, all the leaders mentioned in this paper have contributed to Kosovo's transition to a democratic society to varying degrees. Moving forward, it will be important for Kosovo's leaders to continue to promote these democratic values and principles to enhance the legitimacy of their rule and increase citizen trust in the government. President Rugova and President Sejdiu were both instrumental in the movement for Kosovo's independence, demonstrating their belief in the importance of respecting the will of the people and promoting their participation in the political process. Their leadership styles were characterized by a commitment to building strong, democratic institutions that value the rule of law and promote transparency and accountability. President Jahjaga and President Osmani also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in Kosovo's government, calling for greater efforts to combat corruption and promote democratic values. Their leadership styles were characterized by a commitment to building strong, democratic institutions that respect the rights and dignity of all citizens and engage with the wider world.
President Thaci and Prime Minister Kurti both demonstrated a willingness to take bold steps to achieve their goals, with a focus on pragmatic solutions to complex problems. President Thaci's approach to leadership was characterized by a focus on results and a willingness to engage in difficult negotiations to achieve his goals. Prime Minister Kurti's approach to leadership is characterized by a focus on economic development and job creation, with a commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to drive economic growth.
The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers and political leaders in post-conflict societies. Leaders in transitional democracies should prioritize promoting transformational leadership styles, which prioritize empowerment, trust, and a shared vision, to promote legitimacy and democratic governance. In addition, policymakers should prioritize building strong democratic institutions that respect the rule of law, promote transparency and accountability, and respect the rights and dignity of all citizens. Finally, the study highlights the importance of engaging with the wider world to promote stability, prosperity, and democratic values. Leaders in post-conflict societies should build strong relationships with neighboring countries and the international community to demonstrate their commitment to democratic principles and promote their societies' transition to democratic governance.