Features of leadership in public authority bodies

The article is devoted to the study of leadership features in public authorities in the context of modern challenges and transformational processes in public administration. Conceptual approaches to understanding the phenomenon of leadership in the public sector are considered, and specific characteristics that distinguish public leadership from leadership in the private sector are identified. The main leadership styles applied in public authorities are analyzed, including transformational, transactional, authentic, and servant leadership. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the organizational context of the public sector on the formation and implementation of leadership practices.The study found that leadership in public authorities is characterized by the need to balance numerous stakeholders, accountability to the public, adherence to procedural norms, and orientation toward the public good. It is proven that effective leadership in the public sector requires specific competencies, including the ability for cross-sectoral cooperation, strategic thinking, political awareness, and a high level of ethical consciousness. It is established that contextual factors of the public sector, such as bureaucratic structure, political environment, and regulatory constraints, significantly affect the possibilities of applying different leadership styles.Current trends in the development of leadership in public authorities are analyzed, including the movement toward collaborative governance, digital transformation, and the growing role of network leadership. The main challenges faced by public sector leaders are identified, including the need to implement innovations under tight budget constraints, manage change in highly formalized organizations, and maintain public trust. The necessity of purposeful development of leadership competencies among civil servants through specialized training programs and a system of continuous professional development is substantiated.