LEADERSHIP STYLES AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

Abstract

This study explores the influence of transformational leadership on the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector organizations, with a focused case study on Embu County Government in Kenya. Transformational leadership, characterized by inspiring vision, fostering innovation, and providing personalized support, has increasingly been recognized for its role in enhancing organizational performance. The study specifically targeted the staff of the Embu County Government, with a population size of 300 workers. A structured questionnaire was utilized to capture participants' perspectives on leadership styles and their perceived impacts on organizational performance. Data collection followed a rigorous procedure to ensure reliability and accuracy, and the sample size was representative of the target population, carefully selected to allow for generalizable findings within the government. For data analysis, we used SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to evaluate relationships between leadership styles and organizational performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to test the model's goodness-of-fit and to determine statistically significant differences in responses, helping to validate the study's hypotheses on leadership style impacts. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between leadership ideologies and the performance of the Embu County Government, suggesting that leadership style plays a crucial role in enhancing institutional effectiveness. The study highlighted that authoritarian leadership was rare within the Embu County Government and showed limited influence on productivity. Conversely, liberal and democratic leadership styles were more prevalent, with liberal leadership showing a substantial positive impact on productivity. When employees are involved in decision-making at various levels, they gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which enhances organizational performance. In light of these findings, we recommend that the Embu County Government and other county governments critically assess and adapt their leadership styles to maximize efficiency. Encouraging staff participation and engagement in decision-making can lead to a more motivated workforce, ultimately boosting productivity.