ABSTRACT
This study examined leadership styles and its impact on the motivation of workers in the Nigerian Public sector, with focus on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The main objectives of the study were: To examine the extent to which the management/leadership style at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, influences the attitude and performance of its workforce; to find out whether the leadership style of management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, determines its overall productivity;to find out the major problems or challenges confronting the management/leadership of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, in influencing its workforce to attain its organizational objectives;to make policy suggestions towards the implementation of an adequate leadership style that would spur the organization towards efficient productivity. In order to realize these objectives, the study formulated and answered the following research questions: Does the management/leadership style at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, influences the attitude and performance of its workforce? Does the leadership style of management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City determine its overall productivity? What are the major problems or challenges confronting the management/leadership of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, in influencing its workforce to attain its organizational objectives? What can be done to ensure the implementation of an adequate leadership style that would spur the organization towards efficient productivity? The methodology utilized in this study was a survey involving the use of questionnaires. The findings in the research are as follows: that workers are motivated in the organization; but they are not satisfied with their present job, although many of them said they can perform their duties satisfactorily with little or no supervision; and many of them think that workers are motivated according to their efforts and contributions in the organization. Also, most of them believe that the leadership style in their organization is mainly autocratic in nature; The factors that could mostly counter the motivation of workers thereby reducing organizational productivity due to the leadership style are insufficient funds, poor training, autocracy and bad leadership; the major factors that can enhance performance in their organization are recruitment of well-educated/experienced staff and leaders; participatory leadership style and free flow of organizational productivity; good working conditions will result in an increase in workers’ productivity; conducive work environment will boost organizational productivity; proper jobs security will bring about a positive impact on employees’ productivity; well-motivated staffs have a positive attitude towards work; and recognition as a factor contributes positively to employees’ productivity. The researcher therefore made the following suggestions: The leadership of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, should ensure adequate provision of the needed resources and conducive environment for workers to perform their jobs effectively; democratic, participatory and supportive leadership should exist within the organization; Leaders should adopt effective communication pattern to produce enthusiasm and foster an atmosphere of confidence within the organization; those factors that hamper effective leadership role and the realization of organizational objectives.
