<jats:p>In the context of private universities, improving researchers’ performance is critical for universities to remain competitive. This article utilizes system dynamics to analyze how key variables related to leadership, such as satisfaction, motivation, efficiency, research capabilities, and morale, interact and influence each other. We use causal loop diagrams to illustrate these relationships based on the priority assessments of 86 private university researchers, evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP). Our findings emphasize the critical importance of a balanced approach to strategy and policy design, suggesting that improving one factor may inadvertently affect others, thereby influencing the outcomes for leadership in educational settings. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers and leaders who aim to foster and enhance their academic staff’s sustainable performance.</jats:p>
