Asian Journal of Economics, Finance and Management

Leadership style is a key driver of employees’ performance in both public and private institutions. Local government employees in Nigeria have been underperforming since the restoration of democracy in 1999. No doubt, local governments need effective and transformation leadership styles to operate efficiently with a view to driving development at the local levels.  Therefore, this study examines the nexus between leadership style and employees’ performance in local government administration with particular focus on Ughelli-South Local Government Area of Delta state, Nigeria. Previous studies were reviewed on the subjects of leadership and employee’s performance. The study employed a survey research design and made use of primary data obtained from a well- structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of two hundred and seventy (270) employees extracted from a population size of eight hundred and thirty-two (832) and calculated using Taro Yamani formula for sample size determination. The data were presented in tables and analyzed using chi-square method. Arising from this, the study revealed the following: (a) There is a positive relationship between leadership styles and employee performance (b) That the bureaucratic leadership style in Nigeria local government administration particularly in Ughelli-South local affects employees’ performance negatively (c) That transformation leadership gets the best out of employees. Based on the research finding; the study recommends among others the following: Leaders should develop a cordial, mutual and embracing understanding with their employees or subordinates.  There should be a top down approach in leadership so as to allow subordinates take part in making decisions that affect them.  Employees should always communicate their feelings to their superiors, either pertaining to their behaviour towards them or decisions that affect them negatively. There is an urgent need for superiors and leaders at the local government level to embrace democratic and transformation leadership styles which will improve employees’ performance with a view to enhancing governance and deliver the dividends of democracy at the local level.