THE EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON EMPLOYEE‘S COMMITMENT IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS OF BONKIE WOREDA

Abstract

Effective leaders are able to contribute directly by enabling competent and committed employees. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of leadership styles on employee’s commitments (affective, continuance, and normative commitment) in Bonkie woreda. Explanatory research design and quantitative method was used. From the total population of 450 employees, 116 respondents were selected in simple random sampling technique. Two separate instruments namely, multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and commitment questionnaire (CQ), were used to measure the effect of leadership styles on employees’ commitment respectively. Questionnaires of 116 copies were distributed and 100% of which were collected. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding revealed that autocratic leadership style was dominant in the study area with mean score value of 3.76, followed by democratic leadership style with mean score value of 2.58. These two were commonly practiced leadership styles in the study area. In addition to this, the study also revealed that autocratic leadership style has negative effect on three dimensions of employees’ commitment while democratic leadership style and laissez-fair leadership styles have positive effects on employees commitment (affective, normative and continuance). Researcher recommends that Leaders must give chance to their employees to be participated in decision-making. And also they always have to provide guidance without pressure so that they can perform any jobs confidentially. Since employees prefer supportive communication from their leaders, they should go friendly in work places. This promotes accepting responsibility for completing their work. Leaders also must engage each employee individually and map a clear and concise succession path for each individual. Academicians in line with philosophy are recommended to broadening of the prospectus with respect to this study hence providing a deeper understanding of the effects of leadership styles on employee’s commitment, and policy makers in designing the appropriate policy frame to encourage good leadership styles and its effects. Further studies shall be conducted on various leadership styles being practice provided effective training so as to evaluate its effect on the employee’s commitment