EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND, ABUJA

This research examines the effect of leadership style on employee performance with a focus on the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Abuja. Leadership style is widely recognized as a critical factor influencing organizational success and employee outcomes. The study specifically assessed three leadership styles transformational, transactional, and servant leadership and their impact on employee performance in terms of productivity, commitment, and job satisfaction. The research adopted a survey design, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to employees of PTDF. The sample size was determined using appropriate statistical techniques, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. The findings revealed that transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while transactional and servant leadership also contribute meaningfully, though at varying levels. The results suggest that effective leadership at PTDF requires a blend of these leadership styles to enhance employee motivation, efficiency, and overall performance. The study concludes that leadership style plays a vital role in shaping employee outcomes and recommends that management of PTDF should adopt more transformational and servant-oriented leadership practices to foster innovation, teamwork, and higher performance. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on leadership and provides practical insights for organizational leaders in Nigeria and beyond.