ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP STYLES IN ENHANCING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF  BUSINESSES IN  CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The contemporary landscape of organisations has seen a transformation in the role of leaders, with the success of any organisation being contingent upon the leadership styles used by its leaders.Biaka (2020) said that authentic leaders effectively incorporate people by their thoughtfulness and humility, as they actively participate in their actions rather than seeking personal benefits. In order to ensure the success of an organisation, it is essential that its workforce be motivated to actively engage in the organization's goal. The attainment of effectiveness may be achieved via the stimulation of staff members, since successful organisations need effective leadership (Suri, 2016). 

According to Northouse (2016), the lack of good leadership has a direct impact on organisational performance. Ultimately, the responsibility for executing or neglecting a duty lies with the individual employee. For an organisation to function well, an individual must prioritise the collective aims of the company above their own aspirations, to some extent. The determination of performance outcomes within an organisational setting is contingent upon the organisation itself (Adi, 2023). The workers are the primary factor in achieving organisational success due to their crucial function. Therefore, the presence of good leadership facilitates increased engagement from the whole workforce, therefore exerting an impact on both individual and organisational performance. According to Ansari, Martina, Salfitri, and Ernesta (2023), the initiation and pursuit of effectiveness by leaders play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of followers' aspirations, leading to effective performance and overall success within the organisation. 

Exemplary leaders, in terms of efficacy, are believed to exhibit a robust and straightforward, but inclusive and collaborative leadership approach, and are regarded as catalysts for transformation and visionaries who enhance organisational performance.According to Bhargavi and Yaseen (2016), in order for enterprises to thrive in a highly competitive environment characterised by technology advancements, evolving government rules, and shifting employee attitudes, a higher degree of leadership is now more essential than ever. His perspectives further illustrate the significance of leadership within the realm of business. According to Dean (2023), extensive study has shown that leaders have a significant role in influencing the performance of their subordinates and determining the success or failure of their companies within the contemporary corporate landscape.Dean (2023) advocated for the growing significance of leadership in organisations due to notable changes in business settings, including heightened competitiveness and the need for greater involvement of the whole workforce. 

However, employee performance is a crucial component of an organisation, and organisations must analyse the aspects that provide the basis for excellent performance. The success of any organisation cannot be achieved just via the efforts of one or two individuals; rather, it requires the collaborative work of all members inside the organisation. Therefore, performance is seen as a significant multifaceted term with the objective of attaining outcomes and is closely associated with the strategic objectives of an organisation (Emma, 2023). Leadership has a crucial role in significantly impacting employee performance in many organisations (Emma, 2023). The influence of various leadership styles on employee performance continues to be a subject of disagreement among academics and scholars in empirical disputes (Emma, 2023). Empirical evidence suggests that workers' productivity increases when led by extraverted leaders in situations when people are passive, but decreases when leaders are proactive.According to the findings of Fabyio (2023), it has been shown that leadership has a significant impact on staff performance. 

Hence, it is imperative to rejuvenate leadership styles throughout organisations in Cameroon, particularly at St. Veronica Medical Centre, in order to improve employee performance amidst the persistent challenges posed by scandals and unethical conduct, not only by employees but regrettably by leaders.According to Fabyio (2023), the lack of commitment to recognised norms by organisational leadership poses a threat to the legitimacy of institutions. This aligns with Fiona's (2022) research, which revealed that leaders' disrespect for ethical reasoning stems from a complete refusal to expose themselves to it. Following the current state of affairs, there exists a regrettable dearth of scholarly literature that facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the effects of leadership patterns on employee performance. However, certain researchers (Emma, 2023) have made efforts to investigate the notion of ethical leadership and its influence on employee behaviour. Empirical research in management often overlook the significance of leadership, despite the fact that employee performance is significantly influenced by the ethical or immoral conduct of their leaders. Therefore, the study assess the role of leadership styles in enhancing organizational performance of  businesses in  Cameroon.

Statement of the problem

The impact of leadership styles on organisational effectiveness in Cameroon's changing commercial environment is a crucial but little researched area. The impact of various leadership styles on the performance measures of Cameroonian enterprises is still uncertain, despite the recognised importance of good leadership in achieving success (Emma, 2023). Hence, it is important to examine and understand the correlation between leadership styles and organisational success in the distinct socio-economic setting of Cameroon. Numerous studies have been conducted on interconnected subjects; yet, this study posits the presence of a disparity in the link between leadership and organisational success. The majority of research on leadership has mostly concentrated on an organisational viewpoint that emphasises strategy and organisational effectiveness. Due to its importance in the organisational setting, leadership may have both internal and exterior effects (Emma, 2023). However, studies have shown little interest in exploring the possible influence of leadership on internal human resource characteristics. The objective of this study is to gather empirical evidence that will investigate the influence of leadership on employee performance, with a specific focus on the Cameroonian setting. The problem for this study therefore is to assess the role of leadership styles in enhancing organizational performance of  businesses in  Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the role of leadership styles in enhancing organizational performance of  businesses in  Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Find out the major leadership styles adopted among business organization in Cameroon.

Ascertain the major determinants influencing the choice of leadership styles among business organization in Cameroon.

Determine if a significant relationship exist between leadership style and organizational performance.

Ascertain the impact on leadership style on the performance of organizations in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the major leadership styles adopted among business organization in Cameroon?

What are the major determinants influencing the choice of leadership styles among business organization in Cameroon?

Is there a significant relationship exist between leadership style and organizational performance?

What is the impact on leadership style on the performance of organizations in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The insights gleaned from this study will provide valuable guidance to businesses in Cameroon regarding the most effective leadership styles aligned with their organizational goals and unique context. It's essential for business leaders in Cameroon to understand the significance of adjusting their leadership approach to accommodate the diverse cultural and socio-economic landscape of the country. Additionally, the study's findings can lay the groundwork for leadership training and development programs geared towards bolstering the leadership skills of Cameroonian business leaders.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on assessing the Role of Leadership Styles in Enhancing Organizational Performance of  businesses in  Cameroon. Empirically, the study will find out the major leadership styles adopted among business organization in Cameroon, ascertain the major determinants influencing the choice of leadership styles among business organization in Cameroon, determine if a significant relationship exist between leadership style and organizational performance and ascertain the impact on leadership style on the performance of organizations in Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

 Leadership Styles: the behavioral approach employed by leaders to influence, motivate, and direct their followers. 

Organizational Performance: The extent to which an organization achieves its objectives, goals, or targets within a given timeframe, typically measured against predefined metrics such as profitability, productivity, efficiency, market share, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. 

Businesses: Entities engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities with the primary objective of generating revenue or profit.