We examined how decision accuracy, strategic alignment, and stakeholder engagement shape institutional performance across global universities using a structured dataset extracted from the attached measurement framework. We applied a cross sectional design that combined leadership indicators, governance scores, and performance outcomes to quantify the interaction between leadership mechanisms and governance capacity. We found that accurate decisions strengthen operational stability, aligned strategies improve academic quality, and inclusive engagement supports stronger responsiveness. Governance magnifies these effects by improving accountability, autonomy, and transparency, which raises the marginal gains from leadership actions. The model introduces an integrated mathematical evaluation of leadership effectiveness that links leadership inputs with governance strength to explain variations in performance across diverse systems. The evidence offers guidance for leaders seeking to organize decisions around coherent strategies and participatory structures while helping policymakers understand how governance reforms enhance institutional outcomes. The findings expand global understanding of how leadership and governance operate together to influence performance trajectories in higher education.