: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

For as long as organizations have existed the issue of leadership

has continued to be a central focus since it forms one of the major

processes that affect how organization functions (Armstrong 2001).

A study of different books on leadership has however shown that

“leadership” has been viewed from the perspective of experience

rather than that from research study. this implies that emphasis

should have been laid on what makes a leader successful and not

how he was successful.

Edward (2002) in stressing the importance of leadership style says

the style adopted by a leader in an organization affects the rate of the

employee’s performance. He also stated that the personal quality of

a leader will largely determine the particular leadership style that will

motivate employees to perform in a given organization.

It has also become quite clear that successful leaders seem to have

similar qualities; this is because researchers tried to find out what

makes some leaders successful particularly when it comes to

motivating their subordinates.

Despite abundant literatures in favour of various leadership styles

and the personal qualities of leaders from several productions

organizations can still be found closing down production hence the

need for this study.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Every organization regardless of its size strives to remain at the top

and maintain a leadership position among competitors and in order

to achieve this it must struggle to maintain and improve its

productions.

Ideal as that may appear organizations may have sizeable workforce

but still achieve little or even no improvement in their production

while an organization with smaller number could achieve more. This

reason could be as a result of leadership style in the organization.

Some organizations may have leadership style but still achieve

nothing in terms of productivity. Could this be related to the

leadership adopted by such organization? It is based on this issues

that the researcher deem its necessary to undertake this study with

the aim of proffering solution.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to investigate the important tools

used by leaders to improve employee’s performance. Specifically

the study intent to

i. Determine leadership style and their relationship with

employees performance

ii. Determine leadership style and their relationship with

employees motivation

iii. Ascertain the effect of leadership style on employees’ morale.

iv. Determine the relationship between employees’ placement and

their performance.

v. Examine the importance of leadership style in the survival of an

organization.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i. What are the leadership style and their relationship with

employees’ performance?

ii. What are the leadership style their relationship with employees

motivation.

iii. What are the effects of leadership style on employees’ morale

iv. What are the relationship between employees’ placement and

their performance?

v. What is the importance of leadership style in the survival of an

organisation?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Going by the role leadership plays in assisting organizations achieve

their aims findings of this study is expected to equip organisations

with the information they need to compete favourably as its perform

its leadership role.

Practicing style that would enable suitable result or attainment of

organizational set goals and also provide them with information or

basic understanding of leadership style and their effects on

employees performance.

Lastly researchers in this field are expected to find the study

important as a reference for further study.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is limited to Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM)

headquarters Abuja. Consequently the study is expected to involve

two categories of employees in NEXIM Bank which comprise the

senior and junior staff of the organization.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

In the course of this study the researcher encountered some

difficulties this include financial constraint time constraint access to

current and up-to-date materials on leadership style materials.

Despite all the limitation outline above the researcher was able to

conduct a comprehensive research work.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Style – The various behavioural pattern favoured by a leader

during the process of directing and influencing

subordinates.

Reward - Feelings of satisfaction people obtain from their own

activities such as achievement recognition and

competence.

NEXIM - Nigeria Export-Import Bank

NDE - National Directorate of Employment

ECOWAS - Economic Community of West African States.