X-RAYING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE THROUGH THE LENSES OF VARIOUS LEADERSHIP STYLES

Abstract

An effective leader is one who can direct the efforts of his subordinates towards organizational efforts. It is based on this that the study x-rayed employee’s performance through the lenses of different leadership styles. The study was narrowed down to Seplat energy Plc. Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria. The research adopted a survey design, and with a population 230 senior and junior staff of Seplat energy Plc. that were randomly selected for the study. Copies of questionnaire that were distributed, 207 copies were retrieved and were certified fit for the study. A Likert structured questionnaire format was deployed for data collection, which was tested for validity using face and content method while its reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha reliability test for internal consistency, and an alpha level of .999 was obtained signaling a good consistency level. The data generated was analyzed using Mean, and hypothesis was tested using simple regression on Statistical packages for Social Science at 5% level of significance. The findings reveal that, democratic leadership style has a significant positive effect on employee performance in Seplat energy Plc. (r= 0.728, n=207-1=206 and p=0.25). Thus, since p value is less than 0.05, hence, democratic leadership style has a positive effect on employee’s performance. The study therefore recommended that employees should be allowed to participate in decision-making, especially in that which affects them directly. Leaders should also place emphasis on the understanding of subordinates, employee motivation, self-development and employee development, cultivating appositive employee work attitude, and problem solving.