Exploring Leadership Styles and Employee Productivity in Nigerian Public Sector: Evidence from NIMC, Gombe

Abstract

It is important to note that effective leadership enhances productivity in organizations, but few empirical studies have been conducted to identify the leadership styles that best improve the performance of workers in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the influence of autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles on employee productivity in the National Identity Management Commission, Gombe State Office. The population of the study is all the staff of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Gombe State Office. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 150 employees of the organization completed structured questionnaires that captured information on four key productivity variables: punctuality, efficiency, effectiveness of service delivery, and meeting organizational goals. Data were gathered using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings showed that the democratic leadership style has the most statistically significant and positive effect on employee productivity, accounting for 49% of the variation in employees' productivity, in order to ensure participation, inclusiveness, and motivation. On the other hand, the autocratic leadership style suppressed creativity and diminished job satisfaction and, as such, negatively impacted performance, while laissez-faire leadership was associated with diminished accountability and efficiency among employees. These findings underscore the need for the development of democratic leadership practices within Nigeria's public sector institutions to improve productivity. This paper offers valuable lessons for policy thinkers and public managers who seek to achieve improved organizational outcomes through effective leadership strategies and suggests that embracing democratic leadership will lead to sustainable development and operational excellence within Nigeria's public sector.