Studying the phenomenon of leadership is relevant, as it plays a central role in the success or failure of any type of organization. In this regard, institutions of higher education are not exempt from this reality. It is posited that the competencies required to effectively lead an organization have a direct impact on motivation and the achievement of institutional goals. This study aims to analyze the existing scientific production related to the leadership styles exercised by academic staff in higher education, with the purpose of determining the state of the art and potential areas for development on this topic. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the available research in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following the methodological protocols recommended by the specialized literature. The findings reveal that, although leadership has been widely addressed, its study within the specific context of higher education remains underdeveloped. Previous research has sought to establish links with variables such as organizational culture, institutional commitment, and job satisfaction. Emerging themes include the influence of leadership on quality management and the performance of women in leadership positions. It is concluded that this is a research area with the potential to become a rapidly growing niche, given the impact it has on the performance of educational institutions.