LEADERSHIP STYLE AND GOVERNANCE OUTCOMES IN NIGERIA; AN APPRAISAL
*Edward Kuruku & Helen Chinelo Ogwuche
Department of Psychology
Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Email: edwwardkuruku@gmail.com
Corresponding author*
ABSTRACT
Leadership is the most essential and vital component of every organisation and the society at large. No organisation or government succeeds, without a good leadership style. Most organizations and indeed governments have collapsed, over the years due to poor leadership style. The objective of this paper is to critically appraise the concept of leadership and its styles in Nigerian industrial organizations and the larger Nigerian society. This is with a view to identifying the best leadership style that would solve the mirage of leadership crises bedeviling the country both at organizational level and the government at large. The paper reflects on the different leadership styles like democratic, autocratic and laisser-faire, in relation to performance and productivity in governance and organizational effectiveness, for sustainable national development. The paper argues that democratic style of leadership remains the best and viable leadership style that would drive the economy of the Nigerian State. The country has suffered leadership crises arising from poor leadership style, corruption among others which have affected all sectors of the Nigerian economy and sustainable national development. These leadership crises could be seen in the various constitutional amendments and changes of government, from 1966-1999 when democratic governance resonated with president Obasanjo’s Presidency. Having critically appraised the leadership question in Nigeria holistically, the paper recommends among other measures, a re-orientation and attitude change towards public service for improved performance and productivity.
Keywords: Leadership, Leadership style, Democratic, Autocratic, Liaises faire, governance, performance.
