THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN ORGANIZATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN UNGOGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE.

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of leadership styles on employee productivity in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within Ungogo Local Government Area, Kano State. Leadership style is a critical determinant of organizational success, influencing employee motivation, engagement, and performance. Despite the significant role of SMEs in economic development, many struggle with productivity due to ineffective leadership approaches. This research investigates how autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles affect employee productivity in SMEs, filling a gap in existing literature by focusing on a specific geographical and socio-economic context. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 50 employees across various SME sectors using a structured questionnaire. The study employed stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different job roles. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) and Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between leadership styles and productivity. Findings revealed that democratic leadership significantly enhances employee productivity by fostering participation, motivation, and job satisfaction. Autocratic leadership, though effective in structured decision-making, negatively impacts morale and creativity. Laissez-faire leadership was found to reduce productivity due to lack of direction and supervision. The study concludes that leadership style profoundly influences employee performance in SMEs, with democratic leadership being the most effective. Recommendations include leadership training programs to promote participatory management, regular assessments of leadership practices, and the adoption of flexible leadership approaches tailored to employee needs. These findings provide valuable insights for SME owners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to enhance organizational performance through effective leadership strategies.