THE INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION- A CASE STUDY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOMALIA (UNISO)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of leadership styles on employee performance at the University of Somalia. To reach this purpose the researcher used specific objectives of the study which were to establish the effect of transformational leadership on employee performance at the University of Somalia (UNISO). To determine the effect of transactional leadership on employee performance at the University of Somalia (UNISO). To examine the effect of laissez-faire leadership style on employee performance at the University of Somalia (UNISO). This research used a strictly quantitative approach. The employees of the University of Somalia (UNISO) were the intended target population. 326 people made up the study’s sample. The questionnaire was distributed to the sampled respondents via online Google forms that were provided to them to complete. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study’s assumptions were used to evaluate both relationships and effects using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to conduct reliability tests. The instrument’s Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was. .823 indicating that it was reliable in gathering data for this investigation. The major result correlation coefficients of this study for transactional r=.854, transformational r=.826, and laissez-faire r=.594. These results show that both transactional and transformational leadership styles are strongly correlated with employee performance. While the laissez-faire leadership style is relatively strong with employee performance. Therefore, I would recommend that the management of the University of Somalia use a Transactional leadership style followed by a Transformational leadership style. considering also Laissez-faire Leadership. KEYWORDS: transformational leadership, transactional leadership, laissez-faire leadership style, employee performance