EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION: A CASE STUDY OF IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the effect of leadership style on employee productivity in local government administration, with a specific focus on Ikeja Local Government Area in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent challenges of low productivity, poor service delivery, and ineffective leadership practices observed in many Nigerian public sector institutions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 100 employees using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, while the hypothesis was tested using the chi-square statistical method. The findings revealed that transformational and democratic leadership styles are the most commonly adopted in Ikeja Local Government Area, while autocratic and laissez-faire styles are less prevalent. The study also found that employee productivity is relatively high, although a significant proportion of employees still operate at moderate and low productivity levels. Furthermore, the results of the hypothesis test indicated a significant relationship between leadership style and employee productivity (χ² = 18.75, p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concluded that leadership style plays a critical role in enhancing employee productivity in local government administration. It recommended the adoption of transformational and participatory leadership approaches to improve performance and service delivery.