INVESTIGATING ON THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON WORKER PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CAMEROONIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY OF GEORGE & JERRY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, BUEA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Leadership is often described as a specific or particular behavior exhibited by a manager to inspire subordinates in achieving goals and optimizing work efficiency and satisfaction (Halaychik, 2018; Trivellas & Drimoussis, 2020). The impact of leadership on employee performance and growth is significant, leading to positive outcomes for an organization (Skeepers & Mbohwa, 2018). However, the dynamics between leaders and followers play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of an organization in the corporate world (Wu, Fang, & Li, 2018). 

In today's competitive global market, effective leadership is vital for the success of organizations across various sectors (Tao, Song, Ferguson, & Kochhar, 2018; Toor & Ofori, 2016; Tyssen, Wald, & Spieth, 2019). The influence of leadership is pivotal at every organizational scale, from small businesses to the largest corporations globally. On the other hand, according to Cao, & Wang (2018), weak leadership can jeopardize an organization's credibility and profitability.  Further more in the construction industry, where project team members often come from different cities and stay at project sites, motivating such teams is crucial for project success. Employee motivation directly impacts performance, influencing project outcomes (Shao, Feng, & Hu, 2018; Yu, Vaagaasar, Müller, Wang, & Zhu, 2019). Besides, leadership and employee motivation are key influencers in determining organizational effectiveness. Wu, Wang, Zou, & Fang, (2019), asserts that leadership styles can drive success or failure in any business, project, or organization. They further stated that, identifying the effects of different leadership styles on employee motivation is essential to achieve the required motivation level and enhance work performance. Additionally, as the construction sector serves as the backbone of Cameroon's development, this study focuses on all three types of leadership and their impact on workers productivity in construction projects in Buea. However, the growth of the construction industry benefits the overall economy and the human resources involved, such as labor, workers, contractors, architects, financiers, and local residents. Beyond that, the project field differs significantly from conventional organizational settings, presenting unique challenges that require a deeper understanding of employee motivation. Despite the importance of motivation and productivity in project sectors, there is a literature gap in Cameroon, particularly in project fields. Therefore, a survey will be conducted to investigate on the impact of leadership styles on worker productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry: a case study of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Many leadership styles within organizations hinder the growth, development and productivity of employees/ workers. Some leaders neglect the essential tasks of organizing, supporting, and nurturing the individuals within their teams. Although, dealing with individuals with different attitudes requires varied approaches, tailored to their level of motivation. However, a solid foundation for effective leadership begins with a comprehensive understanding of human nature, needs, emotions, and motivation. Unfortunately, some organizations fail to grasp the significance of applying trait-based approaches in tests and interviews for the selection of managers.

Furthermore, according to Bran, the term "leadership style," involves all the approaches employed by those influencing decisions to ensure continuous and optimal productivity in organizational decision-making processes. Nevertheless, certain leadership styles can be oppressive, leading workers to resist them. Consequently, more progressive styles tend to endure over an extended period, producing desired outcomes in organizational decision-making. Thus, this study seeks to investigate on the impact of leadership styles on worker productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry: a case study of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea. 

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is on an investigation on the impact of leadership styles on worker productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry: a case study of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea.  Specifically, the study will;

Investigate the frequent leadership styles adopted among construction companies in Cameroon.

Determine whether there is a significant relationship between leadership style and employees performance in the Cameroonian construction industry

Determine the leadership styles which significantly enhances employees productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry

Ascertain the influence of leadership styles on workers productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the prevalent leadership styles commonly adopted by construction companies in Cameroon?

Is there a correlation between leadership styles and employee performance within the context of construction companies in Cameroon?

Which leadership styles have been identified as significantly enhancing employees' productivity in the construction industry of Cameroon?

How do different leadership styles exert influence on workers' productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant relationship between leadership styles and workers productivity.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between leadership styles and workers productivity.

1.6  Significance of the Study 

This study will be of great importance to construction industries in Buea, Cameroon, and their workers. It will benefit the industry by helping them to know the best and effective leadership styles to use in order to effectively enhance work productivity.  It will also expose their workers to the importance of communication and leadership styles in construction industry. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to an investigation on the impact of leadership styles on worker productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry: a case study of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea. .

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is to investigate on the impact of leadership styles on worker productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry: a case study of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea.  Empirically, this study will investigate the frequent leadership styles adopted among construction companies in Cameroon, determine whether there is a significant relationship between leadership style and employees performance, determine the leadership styles which significantly enhances employees productivity and ascertain the influence of leadership styles on workers productivity in the Cameroonian construction industry.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to staff of George & Jerry Construction Company, Buea, Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.8 Definition of Terms

Construction industry: is the segment of the economy that involves the planning, design, advancement, and implementation of buildings, infrastructure, and various other constructions.

Leadership styles: the diverse approaches and methods that leaders or managers use to guide and influence their teams or organizations.

Productivity:  is often assessed by the amount of goods or services produced per unit of time or per unit of input (such as labor or capital).