The purpose of the qualitative descriptive study was to explore the impact of leadership style on employee motivation during challenging financial periods. The theoretical foundations were Bass' theory of leadership and Herzberg's motivation hygiene theory. The research questions were: (a) How do full-time faculty members describe what leadership style affects their motivation during challenging financial periods? (b) How do full-time faculty members describe what leadership style affects their view of career advancement during challenging financial periods? The sample included 18 full-time faculty at a university in a Mid-South State. This qualitative study used a qualitative descriptive design using two sources (semi-structured interviews and a focus group). Data from both sources were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. Five themes emerged: 1) Common leadership styles were used, 2) Managing change, 3) Support & motivate faculty, 4) Understanding doubts and concerns about career advancement 5) Impact of Covid-19 on resources. The results of this study advanced the knowledge of the impact of leadership style on faculty motivation and view of career advancement during challenging financial periods. The most important findings discuss the perceptions of faculty regarding the various types of leadership styles and how important they are during challenges that face higher education institutions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]