IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SUCCESS IN BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of leadership styles on construction project success in Benin City. Three key objectives were explored: examining the prevalent leadership styles within the construction industry, investigating the factors affecting leadership styles and to examine the effects the various leadership styles have on project success. Data were collected from construction professionals through a survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research identified the democratic leadership style as the most prevalent leadership style. The factors affecting leadership styles included organizational culture, leader’s experience, employee’s roles, situational factors, legal constraints, industry norms, team dynamics, communication styles, organizational environment among others, with technological factors being seen as the most important factor affecting leadership styles. The analysis revealed that the democratic leadership styles have more positive effects on workers thereby leading to a higher rate of project success and the autocratic leadership style had negative effects on workers and was perceived as the least prevalent leadership style. The research also highlights that leaders should be more democratic in nature because it makes subordinates feel valued thereby leading to productivity and project success. Recommendations include leaders diligently devising and implementing effective strategies to motivate their subordinates as motivation is key in influencing the morale, dedication, and commitment of employees, leaders should discipline works when needed and leaders should consistently engage the employees in training programs that are oriented towards achieving tangible and measurable results. Keywords: Project Success, Construction Professionals, Leadership Styles