Employees’ perceived leadership traits and job performance in selected Agricultural Research Institutes in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Leadership traits are essential components of effective management because it helps to maximize organization efficiency and achievement. Studies have established that the majority of people who leave their organizations do not quit their organization but they quit their boss. Hence, understanding the extent to which leadership traits affect employees’ job performance, most especially in agricultural research institutes in Oyo State, Nigeria, becomes pertinent. The study, therefore, empirically established the extent to which employee perceived leadership traits affect employee performance in Agricultural Research Institutes. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 211 employees from three selected research institutes (IAR&T, NIHORT and FRIN), and primary data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Prominent perceived leadership traits highly exhibited by the employees were the ability to communicate (x̄ = 4.59) and being energetic (x̄ = 4.32). About work product index of performance (x̄ =2.92), employees did not meet job performance expectations. Correlation analysis showed a positive significant relationship between perceived leadership traits (r=0.41, p<0.05) and employees’ job performance. In conclusion, since the employees did not meet work product index, employee perceived leadership traits are inadequate. Hence it is recommended that a leadership empowerment and training programme should be conducted for the employees to enhance performance on the job.