The Impact of Management Leadership Styles on the Performance and Productivity of Healthcare Workers: A Case Study of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

Introduction: Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping employee performance within healthcare organizations, which are increasingly complex and demanding. Various leadership styles—such as transformational, transactional, and pragmatic—can significantly influence motivation, job satisfaction, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare services. Transformational leadership, characterized by the ability to inspire and motivate staff, has been linked to improved organizational outcomes, including enhanced employee engagement and commitment. Conversely, transactional leadership focuses on supervision, organization, and performance, which can result in adequate but not exceptional outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for healthcare managers aiming to improve organizational performance and service delivery.

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between different leadership styles and employee performance in selected health institutions in Nigeria.

Method of Analysis: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 200 healthcare professionals from five hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). The analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression analysis to ascertain the impact of leadership styles on employee performance.

Results: The findings indicated that transformational leadership significantly enhances employee performance, with 75% of respondents reporting increased motivation under transformational leaders. Additionally, 82% of those under transformational leadership expressed high levels of job satisfaction. In contrast, transactional leadership was associated with moderate performance levels, with only 58% of employees feeling motivated and 60% indicating satisfaction. Furthermore, pragmatic leadership resulted in a notable performance boost, with 72% of respondents stating that it fostered a collaborative work environment. Overall, 85% of participants acknowledged that effective leadership style contributed positively to their overall performance.

Conclusion: The study concludes that leadership style is crucial in enhancing employee performance in healthcare settings. Transformational leadership is particularly effective in fostering motivation and job satisfaction among healthcare professionals. Implementing training programs to develop transformational leadership skills among healthcare leaders is recommended to improve organizational performance.