Abstract

This study examined the impact of strategic leadership on the performance and pursuit of organizational excellence in Iraqi private hospitals, recognizing the operational challenges they face. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from 193 administrative staff. The questionnaire assessed perceptions of strategic leadership, hospital performance, and organizational excellence using established scales and a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results revealed a strong, positive correlation between strategic leadership and both hospital performance and organizational excellence. Specifically, effective communication, teamwork, and proactive adaptation to change were significant predictors of positive outcomes. The study recommends investing in leadership development programs focused on these key areas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking stakeholder feedback, and empowering employees. These actions can contribute to improved performance, enhanced service quality, and the achievement of sustainable organizational excellence within Iraqi private hospitals.