Leadership, organizational culture, and commitment are pivotal to the effectiveness and success of higher education institutions (HEIs). This phenomenological study explored the impact of leadership on organizational culture and commitment among academic staff and academic support staff in Jamaican HEIs. Guided by Schein's Organizational Culture Model, leadership theories (Transformational, Adaptive, and Situational Leadership), and Meyer and Allen's Three-Component Model of Organizational Commitment, the research delved into how leadership shapes these elements within Jamaican HEIs. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen academic staff and academic support staff members across various Jamaican HEIs. The findings reveal the significant impact of leadership on organizational culture through artifacts, espoused values, and underlying assumptions. Leadership plays a crucial role in balancing tradition and innovation, fostering community and collaboration, promoting academic excellence and national development, and navigating hierarchical and collaborative cultures. Transformational and adaptive leadership behaviors emerged as critical factors influencing staff perceptions and experiences regarding organizational culture and commitment. The study identified how leadership influences the three main types of organizational commitment--affective, continuance, and normative--through fostering emotional connections, addressing challenges and concerns, aligning institutional values with personal values, modeling commitment and dedication, and investing in employee growth and development. The insights gained contribute to the existing body of knowledge in leadership, organizational behavior, and higher education management, particularly within the Jamaican context. These findings have practical implications for HEI leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in developing strategies that leverage leadership's impact on organizational culture, enhance staff commitment, and ultimately improve the quality of education in Jamaica. The study proposes the COMMIT model as a practical framework for leaders to foster a positive organizational culture and enhance staff commitment. [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.]