LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE - A STUDY OF ACADEMIC STAFF OF AUCHI POLYTECHNIC, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In many organizations, inconsistent or inappropriate leadership styles have been observed to contribute to high employee turnover, poor engagement, and diminished performance outcomes. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of leadership style and employee’s performance A study of Academic Staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprises of 978 academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted Simple random sampling was employed and Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination was used giving a sample size of 274. The method of data analysis was Multiple Regression Analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between autocratic leadership style and employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t=29.480  and p-value of 0.000, it was also found that democratic leadership style has a positive and significant relationship with employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t =13.518  and p-value of 0.000 and that liaises faire leadership style has a positive and significant relationship with employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t=24.820 and p-value of 0.000. It was recommended among others that organizations should use the autocratic style in situations where quick, decisive action is required, such as during crises or when clear, unambiguous instructions are necessary to ensure the successful completion of a tasks. Organization should create a work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration. By doing so, staff members are more likely to feel valued and motivated, which can lead to improved performance. To maximize the benefits of laissez-faire leadership, it is important that organizations provide their staff with the necessary resources and support systems. This includes access to training, tools, and information that enable them to perform their tasks efficiently and independently.